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Illegal
logging, mining a challenge to forest reserves
Sekondi, Aug 20, Ghanadot/GNA
– Illegal logging, mining, farming and chainsaw operations
in forest reserves constitute 34 per cent of depletion of
Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources, Mr Kwakye Ameyaw, the
Western Regional Manager, Forestry Services Division, has
said.
He said if this was not checked and reversed it would
undermine efforts aimed at achieving sustainable forest and
wildlife management.
Mr Ameyaw said this at the inauguration of a seven-member
Military and Police Timber Monitoring Operation Team on
Wednesday at Sekondi to check illegal activities in the
region’s forest reserves.
The team is expected to pitch camp in some reserves and also
monitor and clamp down on activities of settler farmers and
miners in forest reserves.
Mr Ameyaw said over the years the region’s reserves had
suffered considerable damage by human activities.
“Manzan, Sukuku, Bia Tawya, Bodi, Sui and Tano extension
totalling 21, 917 hectares have been devastated,” he said.
He said the team therefore had the greatest responsibility
in ensuring illegal activities within forest reserves were
combated.
Mr Ameyaw said it was imperative for stakeholders to also
embark on innovative ways of mobilising resources to expand
and sustain education on illegal logging and other negative
activities within such areas.
“In this connection, we are developing a proposal for a
natural resource trust fund which will be used to ensure
sustainable management of forest and wildlife resources as
well as restoration of degraded areas”, he said.
Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister who
inaugurated the team, said forestry, wildlife and mining
amounted to 15 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic
Products, 25 per cent revenue and 60 per cent foreign
exchange.
“It is therefore obvious that any setback in the lands and
natural resources sector would present not only
socio-economic and environmental problems but also that of
security.”
He expressed regret about some alleged involvement of some
forestry staff in allowing settlers to perform such illegal
activities and urged them to desist from the practice.
“All these illegal activities are being executed allegedly
under the direct supervision of some forestry staff
entrusted with the nation’s natural resources”.
Mr Aidoo said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
had also set up an inter-agency sub-committee to enhance
community participation in forest protection, reduce
conflict and the occurrence of other forest illegalities as
well as streamlining the sale of lumber on the domestic
market.
Nana Kobina Nketsiah V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional
Area, said though the country was blessed with lots of
extractive resources, nothing was being done to maintain and
preserve them for posterity.
“I am the environment and you are. It is therefore
imperative that we secure our forest reserves from further
degradation,” he said.
GNA |
