Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, on Monday inaugurated a nine-member National Timber Monitoring Team with a mandate to curb forest reserve encroachment and clamp down on illegal practices in the timber sector.
The team, comprising personnel from the Forestry Commission and security agencies, is expected to enhance oversight of timber operations nationwide, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting sustainable forest management.
The Sector Minister administered the Oaths of Office and Allegiance to members of the team.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said the initiative formed part of the government’s broader strategy to safeguard Ghana’s forest resources while maximizing revenue generation for the state.
He emphasised that illegal logging and encroachment had long compromised the country’s environmental integrity and economic potential, and the monitoring team would serve as a frontline mechanism to reverse this trend.
“The protection of our forest reserves is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic imperative. By reducing illegal practices, we can secure jobs, preserve biodiversity, and increase revenue for national development,” the Minister stated.
He cautioned members of the team: “Don’t go and join the illegalities, but enforce the Forestry regulations.”
The National Timber Monitoring Team will collaborate with district forestry offices, traditional authorities, and local communities to ensure effective enforcement.
Alhaji Mohammed Dotsu, Director of the National Timber Monitoring Team, on behalf of the members, pledged to work diligently to uphold their responsibilities and contribute to the sustainable management of Ghana’s forest resources.
Dr Hugh Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, underscored the seriousness of illegal logging and forest encroachment.
He cited instances where some officers of the Commission were kidnapped in Dormaa in the Bono Region, stressing that the establishment of the monitoring team was crucial to curbing forest infractions.
