Juaso (Ash), Aug. 27, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, has called for stringent measures to tackle the growing destruction of forests through illegal timber felling.

He said a more aggressive approach is required to stop the illegitimate chainsaw operations, which continue to defy various measures at curbing it.

Mr Opoku-Manu was inspecting a large quantity of lumber seized by the Asante-Akim South District Office of the Forest Services Division (FSD) at Juaso.

He directed District Security Committees in the region to collaborate and work out a comprehensive plan to check the chainsaw timber business.

The Minister commended the joint police and military task force, which helped to intercept the lumber and urged them to step up their efforts to contain the situation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Patrick Timbila, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, who was part of the Minister's entourage, asked officials of the FSD to impound vehicles used to carry illegal chainsaw lumber.

He expressed worry about reports that some officials of the FSD had been colluding with the illegal timber operators and said such practice makes it difficult to fight the menace.

Mr Samuel Akwatia, the District Forest Manager, complained about the threat of death against his staff by the chainsaw operators who are most often armed with guns and other offensive weapons.