The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a nine-member National Timber Monitoring Team to strengthen the fight against illegal logging across the country.
He described Ghana’s forests as a critical national asset that continues to face serious threats from illegal chainsaw operations and unauthorised timber harvesting.
According to the Minister, the team has been tasked to monitor timber harvesting, transportation and trade, and to work closely with the Forestry Commission, security agencies and local authorities to enforce forestry laws.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that forest protection cannot be handled by one institution alone and called for collective responsibility from government agencies, traditional authorities, local communities and the private sector.
“Forest protection is a shared responsibility, and this team must serve as the eyes and ears of the nation. Officers must not be compromised in the discharge of their duties,” he emphasised.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, said the fight against illegal logging has been ongoing for decades, but remains a major challenge.
He revealed that in recent years, some forest officers were kidnapped by illegal chainsaw operators and were only released after seized trucks were returned.
Dr Brown described the situation as alarming but expressed optimism that the new monitoring team would strengthen existing enforcement efforts.
Chairman of the National Timber Monitoring Team, Alhaji Mohammed Kwaku Doku, expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Forestry Commission for the confidence reposed in the team.
He said members are fully aware of the risks involved but remain committed to supporting efforts to curb illegal logging.
According to him, the team will focus on closing monitoring gaps, improving intelligence gathering and strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders.
“The task ahead is difficult, but we are determined to deliver on our mandate,” Alhaji Doku said.
He appealed for public support and urged communities to reject illegal activities that threaten Ghana’s forest resources.
READ ALSO:
- Labour Market Information System developed to provide job info – Rashid Pelpuo
- Driver and mate arrested with 396 parcels of suspected cannabis in Yeji
- Adwoa Safo Foundation donates items to Hopeway Ministries Orphanage
- Ashanti Region set for transformative development in 2026, Regional Minister outlines plans
