Dormaa Ahenkro (B/A) April 8, GNA- Mr. Joseph Boakye, Assistant Brong Ahafo Regional Forestry Officer has noted that illegal logging, bushfires and increasing population around forest reserves have steadily degraded the country’s forests.
He said recent experiences showed that community forest committees could be instrumental in checking illegal timber felling, production of tree seedlings, establishment of plantations, boundary clearing and the control of bushfires.
Mr. Boakye was speaking at the close of a two-day training workshop and the launch of community forest committees at Dormaa Ahenkro in Brong Ahafo. It was organized by the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission.
The workshop aimed at equipping the 130 participants with skills and knowledge to help in forest management.
Mr. Boakye said the Forest Services Division encouraged the formation of community forest committees to assist in the protection, management and development of the country’s forests.
Mr. Emmanuel Duku, the District Chief Executive, advised the participants not to condone and connive with timber merchants and others to degrade the forests.
He urged them to assist the staff of the forest service division to protect the forests.
Mr. Martin Dong, District Forestry Officer, said the community committees would assist in protecting the Mpamso and Paamu-Berekum forest reserves.
A five-member executive committee each was inaugurated for the Paamu-Berekum and Mpamso forest reserves.
Source: GhanaWeb
