Clamp down on illegal chainsaw operation

Breman Asikuma July 5, GNA - The Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District Assembly has set up a nine-member Timber Taskforce to clamp down on illegal chainsaw lumber operation. It has members from the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), Police, Fire Service, District Assembly, Traditional Councils and the Forestry Services Division. The formation of the Taskforce followed letters to the Assembly from the Ministry of Lands and Forestry to curb the activities of illegal chainsaw operation in the area. Addressing the second ordinary session of the Assembly at Bremen Asikuma, Mr. Sampson K. Anfako, District Chief Executive (DCE), expressed concern about the rapid depletion of forest resources through illegal chainsaw lumbering.

He asked the Taskforce to discharge their duties without fear or favour and urged Assembly and Unit Committee members to refrain from condoning and conniving with chainsaw operators. Mr. Oduro Sarfo, an official of the Forestry Services Division welcomed the decision and pledged the determination of staff of the Services in the area to cooperate with Taskforce. Earlier, members of the assembly had expressed fears about the hostile nature of the Chainsaw operators and urged the Police to lend their support to the members to ensure successful operations.