Ghana Loses 3.7 m Cubic Metres Forest Annually

Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Minister for Lands, Forestry and Mines, during the weekend said the nation loses 3.7 million cubic metres of its forest annually instead of the allowable cut of one million cubic metres.

"If this practice goes on unchecked, there will be no forest to manage in the next 10 years and generations yet unborn will be at a great disadvantage", the minister told a cocktail reception in Accra organised by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) to interact with its members.

Dr Afriyie said due to the fast depletion of the forest, wildlife of the country is seriously threatened.

"This is one of the most serious challenges facing the ministry which handles about 60 per cent of Ghana's exports", he said.

He gave the assurance that very soon, certain stringent measures would be instituted to solve the problem.

Dr Afriyie, a medical practitioner, advised his colleagues to get involved in the affairs of the nation. "If we leave politics to the so-called professional politicians they will lead us astray", he added.

The Minister of Health, Dr Richard Winfred Anane said government recognises the positive contribution being made by the GMA in national development.

"We are going to rely on you the more because it is the aim of government to ensure that Ghanaians are in total health all year round and this cannot be done without you", he said.

He hinted that a national health forum which will bring together stakeholders to discuss the way forward of the sector would be held very soon.

Prof. F T Sai, a senior fellow also advised members to actively play their part in building the nation.

He said: "there are three of our members in the present government. They are Dr Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence, Dr Richard Winfred Anane, Minister of Health and Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines.

"Our strong showing indicates (the) government preparedness to work with the association in the new dispensation."

Earlier, Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosah, President of GMA said the interaction which was first of its kind will be held twice every year to tap the expertise of fellows