Akim Oda, (Eastern Region), 12 Jan.,

Any staff of the forestry department found involved in illegal timber felling will be prosecuted. Mr.. Edward Dzobuku, Eastern Regional Forestry Officer, told the Birim South District Assembly at Akim Oda that the department will not spare its staff caught devastating the forest. He said because "illegal operators are always in a hurry, they cause a lot of Damage by felling under-aged trees and abandon them in the forest. Under the new timber rights bill, assembly members have a great role to play in redressing "these issues". He said unit committees will be involved in the issuing of permit by the district assemblies to fell timber. Assembly members have the right to challenge any timber contractor suspected to be operating illegally. He said the quota system has been introduced to control the rate at which timber is felled. Mr.. Yaw Osafo-Marfo, member of parliament for Akim Oda, appealed to chiefs to make land available for afforestation.

Gri.