U/E minister vows to clamp down on chainsaw operators

 

From William Nlanjerbor JALULAH, Bolgatanga.
Rockson Bukari Ayine, Upper East Regional Minister has hinted that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) will soon set up a task-force to clamp down on unscrupulous people whose activities are fast depleting forest reserves in the region.
Felling of rosewood trees in recent years in the region has become a threat to the already-taunted forest reserves in districts such as Builsa South, Talensi, Zebila, Bongo, Garu-Tempane and Bawku.

However, those behind the illicit act are often said to be highly connected with authorities especially those in government. In some instances, they also condone and connive with chiefs and some heads of supervising departments of same reserves to perpetrate the act. In most instances, foreign nationals are deeply involved in financing the illegal act.

But, Mr. Bukari, affectionately called ‘Action Man’, has declared war on those who deplete forest reserves.

Briefing the media Thursday after a team of soldiers impounded a track in a bush near Anateem in the Bolgatanga Municipality loaded with rosewood; Mr. Bukari said he believes there is a syndicate operating the illegal venture and vows to make their trade unattractive.

He explained that he immediately informed the Army Commander and the Regional Police Commander to dispatch officers to a bush near Anateem after he was hinted that some operators were felling rosewood trees in the area. But before the officers arrived in the bush, the operators had bolted with the machine and the driver of the truck and his mate also abandoned the track and ran away.

However, with the assistance of a forest guard with the Forestry Department, the driver of the truck was reached on phone and convinced to come and send the truck with the logs to Bolgatanga.

In all, 19 logs had been loaded into the truck while 75 were been prepared to be loaded but due to the swoop, they could not accomplish their aim.

The loaded truck and a crane were impounded and brought to Bolgatanga.Meanwhile, Mr. Bukari has also called on the minister for Land and Natural Resources to put in place a national committee to investigate the activities of illegal felling of rosewood trees across the country.

 

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  From William Nlanjerbor JALULAH, Bolgatanga. Rockson Bukari Ayine, Upper East Regional Minister has hinted that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) will soon set up a task-force to clamp down on unscrupulous people whose activities are fast depleting forest reserves in the region. Felling of rosewood trees in recent years in the region has become […]

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