Ministry adopts measures to eliminate chainsaw activities

Akyawkrom (Ash), Nov. 11, GNA - The Ministry of Lands and Forestry has adopted a number of pragmatic measures to halt activities of chainsaw operators while guaranteeing adequate supply of lumber to the local market from sawmills.

Professor Dominic Fobih, Minister of Lands and Forestry, said as part of such measures district assemblies have been requested to submit proposals on the citing of mobile sawmills at strategic locations in the districts for the production of lumber for their localities.

Professor Fobih was speaking at a day's workshop on expert consultation on chain sawn lumber production organised and sponsored by Tropenbos International-Ghana, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) on Tuesday.

The workshop, which took the form of group discussions, was designed to create an avenue for stakeholders to critically examine the pros and cons on the law banning chainsaw activities and come out with policy recommendation on it.

About 100 participants made up of forest researchers, scientists, Ghana Timber Association (GTA), Timber Sellers Association, chainsaw operators and personnel from the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) attended.

"Preference will be given to known chainsaw operators who have the means to invest in the establishment of the mobile sawmills in strategic locations of the country."

He said the mobile sawmills, when established, will be granted timber utilisation permits in order to guarantee their raw material needs.

Prof Fobih said in addition to the proposal to establish mobile sawmills the ministry has also directed the Forestry Commission (FC) to draw up a comprehensive programme linking wood dealers and sellers in the local market to designated sawmills for the supply of their lumber.

The Minister said, "these measures and others yet under consideration when fully implemented could eliminate illegal chainsaw operations in the system and also ensure regular supply of lumber from rightful sources like the sawmills to the local markets."

Mr John Ekow Otoo, acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Service Division (FSD), said the ineffective enforcement of the law banning chainsaw activities has resulted in the inability of the FC to ensure sustainable forestry management.

Mr Otoo attributed the problem mainly to the passive attitude of some of the security agencies and some recalcitrant Forestry staff who condone and connive with the illegal chainsaw operators.