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The government has inaugurated a nine-member National Timber Monitoring Team to intensify efforts to curb illegal logging across the country. The initiative forms part of renewed measures to protect Ghana’s fast-depleting forest resources from illegal chainsaw operations and unauthorised timber harvesting.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described Ghana’s forests as a critical national asset that continues to face serious threats due to persistent illegal activities.
He explained that the monitoring team has been mandated to oversee timber harvesting, transportation and trade, while working closely with the Forestry Commission, security agencies and local authorities to ensure strict enforcement of forestry laws.
According to the Minister, safeguarding forest resources cannot be the responsibility of one institution alone, stressing the need for collective action involving government agencies, traditional authorities, 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,” Mr Buah emphasised.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, noted that the fight against illegal logging has spanned decades, with forest officers often facing serious dangers in the line of duty.
He revealed that in recent years, some forest officers were kidnapped by illegal chainsaw operators and only released after seized trucks were returned, describing the situation as alarming.
Chairman of the National Timber Monitoring Team, Alhaji Mohammed Kwaku Doku, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in the team and assured the public of their commitment to closing monitoring gaps, strengthening intelligence gathering and supporting the fight against illegal logging nationwide.
