Illegal chainsaw operators attack forestry officials

Some suspected chainsaw operators opened fire on forestry officials and labourers who attempted to cart away about 300 illegal chainsaw lumber from a bush at Adabokrom in Bia District of the Western Region.

The attackers also deflated the tyres of the vehicle hired by the forestry officials to convey the lumber and set the vehicle ablaze.

Mr. Anthony Omane, Juaboso District Forestry Officer, said this when he took journalists to see the burnt truck and the lumber.

He said following a tip-off that a group of chainsaw operators had concealed the beams in the bush two forestry officers, Miss Lydia Danso and Mr. Joseph Oteng, and some labourers went to the area at about 1730 hours in the truck to seize the lumber.

Mr. Omane said no sooner had the labourers started loading the beams into the truck than they were attacked with guns but they managed to flee.

He said a report was made to the police who have appealed to the public to assist in apprehending the culprits.