The Forestry Commission (FC) has announced a renewed commitment to clamp down on illegal logging and unlicensed timber operations in the Ahafo Region and Bono East Region, following recent working visits to both regions.
The crackdown forms part of the FC’s nationwide strategy to curb deforestation, safeguard biodiversity and protect forest reserves. During meetings, the FC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Elikem E.K. Kotoko, decried a sharp rise in illegal tree-felling and the proliferation of unauthorized sawmills in the two regions.
“In the past decade, the number of illegal sawmills has risen to a staggering 300, taking a major toll on contractors and depleting our forests,” Kotoko disclosed during a joint session with timber contractors in Ahafo.
Key aspects of the enforcement plan include:
- Deployment of a joint task force comprising forest guards, police and military personnel to known hotspots in the regions.
- Targeted operations at forest zones with rising illegal activity, including the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and Asukese Forest Reserve.
- A shift toward a more business-oriented model for the FC, as directed by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to ensure sustainable forest resource management and accountability.
Officials stressed that illegal logging is not merely an environmental issue, but also an economic threat. “The nation loses millions of cedis annually through unsanctioned timber operations,” one FC representative said.
The renewed drive comes at a critical time as Ghana endeavours to meet its reforestation and climate-action targets, including those under the Green Ghana Project and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Forestry Commission urged timber stakeholders, traditional authorities and local communities to support the enforcement efforts and to prioritise transparent, legal operations for the benefit of present and future generation
Discover more from Hot Stories Ghana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
