Forestry Commission impounds 21 trucks of stolen wood
In the enclave, the Bono Regional Forestry Commission has stopped 21 lorries that were carrying stolen timber from different reserves. Eleven of the 21 trucks’ cargo lacked any paperwork. However, extra wood from the reserve was stolen for the remaining trucks, thus the paperwork did not cover them. In an interview with Adom News, the…
In the enclave, the Bono Regional Forestry Commission has stopped 21 lorries that were carrying stolen timber from different reserves.
Eleven of the 21 trucks’ cargo lacked any paperwork.
However, extra wood from the reserve was stolen for the remaining trucks, thus the paperwork did not cover them.
In an interview with Adom News, the Regional Forestry Commission Manager, Augustine Gyedu, reaffirmed this.
Some of the stolen wood, according to Mr. Gyedu, would be transferred to the Bono Regional Coordinating Council for use in making furniture for local schools.
While the remainder will be auctioned, some will also be handed to the Regional Sports Authority to repair the stands at Sunyani Coronation Park.
However, he said that as a result of frequent attacks, his personnel is now scared to enter the reserves to apprehend the illegal operators.
In light of this, Mr. Gyedu claimed that they have started conducting road patrols to check for and seize wood held by unauthorized chainsaw users, and that these efforts are beginning to bear fruit.
Justina Owusu-Banahene, the regional minister, has in the meanwhile issued a warning to unlicensed chainsaw operators, telling them to stop using them immediately or face the consequences.
