FSD declares all out war on illegal loggers

Juaso (Ash), July 29, GNA - The Forest Services Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission (FC) has vowed to go to every length to bring down illegal logging in the Asante-Akim South District. Mr Seth Kissi, District Forest Manager, said they were determined to stop the plundering of the forest reserves and bring to justice those involved in unlawful timber operations. He was speaking at a forum held for forest stakeholders at Juaso by Tropenbos International, an NGO.

It provided a platform to discuss ways of ensuring effective and sustainable management of the reserves and its resources. Mr Kissi warned that if concrete and stringent measures were not put in place to stop the recklessness the nation could lose its forest cover in the next decade.

This is something that should not be allowed to happen, he said, and invited all to join in the resolve to check the illegal activities.

He expressed concern about the situation where some key stakeholders, including chiefs, appeared not to be showing enough commitment and interest in the fight to protect the forests. He asked all the people to accept responsibility for the sustainable management of the forests.

Mr Obed Owusu-Addai of Tropenbos said it should not be lost on anybody the dire consequences of the increasing deforestation on the country's climate.

He blamed the rainfall pattern and extreme weather conditions in recent times on indiscriminate tree felling.