Chief calls for assistance for forest guards

Goaso (B/A), June 23, GNA - Nana Amoako Gyampah, chief of Abuom in the Asunafo South District, has appealed to the Forestry Commission to provide community forest committees with adequate security to enable them to perform their duties without fear.

He suggested to the commission to institute an insurance scheme to cover the committee members so that in the event of injury or death their dependants would not suffer unduly.

Nana Gyampah, who was addressing members of the local committee at Aboum, said lives of members had always been in danger in the forest fringe communities as they faced attacks by illegal chainsaw operators. The chief therefore appealed to the government to give the committee support by providing them with defensive equipment and logistics such as Wellington boots, torch lights and identification cards.

"The committee needs to be given proper attention as a morale booster," he said and urged forest guards not to see themselves as enemies but potential allies with the aim of ensuring sustainable management of forest and wildlife resources.