Stop forest depletion – Minister tells illegal chainsaw operators

Mr Mike Hammah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has invited all Ghanaians to act together to stop the recklessness and impunity, with which the country’s forests are being destroyed by illegal chainsaw operators and miners.

He said the public should give every needed support to the enforcement of laws and the implementation of programmes designed towards ensuring the sustainable management the forest and its resources.

He described the current rate of deforestation of about 22,000 hectares per annum as disturbing which has resulted in the extinction of most animal and plant species, creating problems for biodiversity and human life.

Mr Hammah was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a ceremony to welcome, Nana Kwadwo Amponsah, who was on a walk from Koforidua to Asante-Mampong to draw attention to the growing deforestation, at the KUNST Junction in Kumasi.

He said Ghana has rich traditional practices and laws for safeguarding the environment and that these needed to be respected and complied with to save the flora and fauna.

Mr Hammah spoke of the determination of his Ministry to partner recognized institutions and community-based organizations to embark on outreach programmes to sensitize the public on the dangers posed by the destruction of the environment degradation.

He encouraged the formation of environmental clubs in schools to help the young people to appreciate the need to protect the nation’s natural resources.

The Minister commended Nana Amponsah for his campaign to promote effective and sustainable management of the forest.

Source: GNA