The Chief Executive Officer of Forestry Commission Mr John Allotey has emphasized the need for stakeholders to collaborate effectively with the Forestry Commission to combat illegalities in the country’s forest reserves.
According to him, the forestry staff alone cannot achieve the target by protecting the forest reserves hence the need for stakeholders co-operation.
“The forest belongs to us and the generation to come so we want everybody to take part in combating illegalities such as illegal mining and encroachment in our forest. Pastors, Traditional rulers, parents and everyone who is sitting here has a rle to play to protect the forest reserves.” He said.
He said this at Adumasa, a farming community near Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti region when the youth volunteered numbered fifteen (15) arrested 13 illegal miners who encroached Jimira forest reserve and 2iis Private plantation company for illegal mining.
The 13 illegal miners were arrested after a quick response from Nkawie District Forest Services. They have been handed over to the Nkawie District Police Services and currently in police remand for further investigation.
Executive Director of Forestry Commission , Mr Clement Huge Brown rewarded the youth with farm inputs, T.shirts, rain coats and undisclosed amount for the yeoman’s job done and encouraged them to continue their good job.
In attendance was Mr Ebenezer Mensah, Assistant Ashanti Regional Manager of Forestry Commission who represented his boss Mr Clement Omari appreciated the effort of Adumasa Youth saying it’s historic and empowered them to continue supporting Forestry Commission in quest of their operations.
For her part, Director of Operations in charge of Plantation of the Forestry Commission, Mrs Valerie L.Fummey Nassah thanked the youth for the support.
Nkawie District Forest Services Division Manager,Mr Abraham Essel expressed gratitude to the Adumasa Youth for their spirit of patriotism and urged other stakeholders to emulate that effort to protect the forest reserves.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com/Nana Akwasi Kyere
