Goaso: The Reverend Edward Antwi, the Ahafo Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission (FC), has appealed to the forest-fringe community members to support the commission in the fight against illegal chainsaw operations going on in the region's forest reserves. He emphasized the need for effective stakeholder collaboration and government support to combat the menace and to preserve the nation's forest reserves.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rev Antwi expressed concern over the illegal logging and lumbering activities threatening the existence of forest reserves during an interview with the media in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital. He stressed that the rapid depletion of forests in the area required a collective approach, highlighting the necessity for effective collaboration against illegal mining and lumbering.
Rev Antwi also discussed the 2026 Tree for Life initiative, stating the commission's intention to plant over one million species of tree seedlings by the end of September this year. The commission has already distributed mahogany and other economic crop seedlings, encouraging community members to nurture the trees for the nation to derive optimal benefits.
He further noted that the tree planting efforts aim to restore depleted forests and vegetative covers, as well as mitigate climate change impacts, which are notably felt in the region.
Additionally, Mr. Emmanuel Anim, the Goaso District Forestry Manager, also urged community members to ensure proper planting and nurturing of the tree seedlings. He reiterated the need for collective efforts to stem illegal lumbering and logging activities in the area. Mr. Anim pointed out that illegal chainsaw operators, who are often armed, pose a threat to forestry personnel protecting the forest reserves in the region.