Police cautioned against supporting illegal timber operators

Koforidua, Aug. 11, GNA- Police personnel who will allow vehicles carrying illegal timber to pass through check points will face be prosecuted for dereliction of duty.

Additionally, the vehicles used in such transactions will be confiscated to the State in line with laws regarding illegal felling of timber, in a renewed bid to halt the degradation of Ghana's forest. Mr. Asamoah Ofosu, the new Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, said these when he visited some facilities of the Forestry Commission at Koforidua on Friday.

He was there to find out what the Forest Services Division (FSD) of the Commission had done about 17 vehicles that were impounded last month on the suspicion of carrying illegal timber products, and also to seek new ways of combating the menace in the Region. Mr. Ofosu who is also Member of Parliament for Kade urged the Division to initiate comprehensive strategies to check illegal timber operators, who were destroying the Atiwa forest and causing damage to the Densu and Birim Rivers, which follow through the area. He expressed worry that vehicles could convey illegal timber all the way from the Ashanti Region to the Greater Accra Region despite the numerous barriers on the road.

Mr. Ofosu asked the FSB to apply the laws on illegal timber operations in the country. He said the sale of seized lumber to illegal dealers must stop forthwith and urged the FSB to ensure that such offenders were prosecuted.

Mr. John Mark, Regional Accountant of the FSD, said the Division determined the quantity of lumber ceased and the forest in which it was exploited before issuing penalties but promised that offenders would be prosecuted.