The Illegal Logging In Western Part Of Northern Region Must Stop

I wish to draw the attention of the general public that there is massive logging in the Western part of Northern Region, the worst district being West Gonja. Other affected districts include North Gonja, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Central Gonja and Bole. There is need for all to join hands to stop this illegal logging in these five districts. It is sad to see many trucks of logs coming from these areas and being transported to unknown destinations in Ghana.

Why do we have to sit unconcern to have our rich forest been destroyed by some self-seeking individuals in the area including some traditional leaders and forest authorities? The Kenikeni Forest is under great threat of being depleted of it rich resources (categories of trees). The Forest Commission has failed to act; the commission is seen as a collaborator in the illegal logging.

I am calling on the district and regional forest officials to come clear on how these chain saw operators got their so call permit to enter forest reserve and other areas to cut down trees. I do not think the Forest Commission is not aware of logging. I do not think the massive logging took place in areas demarcated for road construction as far as Fulfulso-Damongo-Sawla road is concern. On this note the Forest Commission, some individuals and chiefs should be blame for this illegal logging.

There is the need for drastic measures to be taken to stop this logging for the sake of posterity. The Forest Reserve is a great asset and must be preserved. The Forest Commission must be up and doing in order not to connive with any person or group of persons to destroy the forest reserve.

The chiefs who may have hands in this illegal act must stop it and help to protect our forest for posterity sake. I therefore wish the sector minister Hon Alhaji Inusah will back his words with action by setting up task force to fight and chase out these illegal operators. There is the need for communities to form vigilantes to stop this logging in the five districts of the Northern Region. Action must be taken to ensure that this illegal logging does not extend to other districts in the region.

I commend the Mole National Park for protecting and guarding their area and hope the same vigilance and watchfulness is extended to Kenikeni Forest Reserve to prevent it from being destroyed by these illegal chainsaw operators in Northern Region.

Daniel Kipo, Sawla Northern Region
[email protected]