Chiefs must protect natural resources

Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Thursday urged chiefs in the region to play active roles to protect the natural resources in their respective areas from destruction.

He said, as custodians of the lands, it was incumbent on the traditional authorities, to collaborate with the timber task forces to stop illegal activities caused to the environment.

By so doing, the nation could bequeath rich environmental legacy to future generation.

The Minister noted that forestry and wildlife were important resources beneficial to the environment, and accounted for 15 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, yet they were being depleted with impunity.

He was addressing the general meeting of the Western Region House of Chiefs in Sekondi.

Mr Aidoo was not happy that illegal mining and the indiscriminate felling of trees continued to pose challenges in the region.

He said the task force was, however, working hard to stop the menace.

He indicated that most forest reserves in the region were under siege by chainsaw operators, illegal timber operators and farmers, who were devastating the environment with impunity.

The Regional Minister, therefore, warned the chiefs to use laid down structures to lease lands.

“Our chiefs should desist from leasing land in the forest resources to any person or group of persons to undertake economic ventures without agreement with the ministry of land, and natural resources.”

The Minster mentioned the Afra Hills, Tano Suraw, Anhwiaso South , Tano Anwin, Suhuma, Sui, Bia, Disu, Tano Suhuren, Bubri and Bonsa, as rivers and forest reserves that had been devastated.

In a related development, “Tretrete” Okuamoah Sekyi the Second, 58, the new Omanhene of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, was inducted into office as the

22-member of the House.

He was sworn in by Mr Justice Edward Asante, the Presiding High Court Judge in Sekondi, who advised him to run open administration to avoid mistrust and conflict.

Known in private life as Mr Abraham Aboagye Agyeman, an accountant by profession, Tretrete Okuamoah Sekyi succeeds Kasapreko Kwame Basayin, who passed away last year.

Osagyefo Kwamina Enimil, President of the House, and Omanhene of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, received an award of GH?33,000.00 from the Ghana Trade Network International and Vision International Media Consult, for his contributions to maintaining peace in the country.

Osagyefo Enimil appealed for resources to enable the chiefs to settle cases pending before the House, adding that plans were underway to set up a fund to support needy but brilliant students in the region.