Residents of Akrodie to the Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ghana Police Service, and the government to intervene, warning that the situation is threatening their livelihoods.
The alarm follows a recent incident in which an elderly cocoa farmer discovered that several trees on her farm had been cut down and removed overnight by unknown individuals. The trees were reportedly planted under the Cocos Life initiative, a programme aimed at promoting sustainable cocoa farming.
The farmer is urging authorities to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing that such acts undermine efforts to improve cocoa production and support farmers.
“We urge the Forestry Commission, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Police Service, and government to take immediate action to protect our farms and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.
Residents note that beyond this single incident, illegal logging has become a growing concern in the area, leaving farmers exposed to losses and uncertainty.
They are calling for a thorough investigation into the activities of timber operators, including verification of whether they hold the required permits and licences. They are also demanding stronger measures to prevent further destruction of cocoa farms, as well as a review and strict enforcement of laws to tackle illegal logging effectively.
Additionally, the community is urging authorities to assess and strengthen the capacity of the Forestry Commission in the Ahafo Region to respond promptly to such cases, while providing assurances that farmers and their investments will be protected.
Residents warn that illegal logging poses a serious threat not only to the environment but also to Ghana’s cocoa sector, a key pillar of the economy. They insist the issue deserves the same level of attention as the fight against illegal mining.
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