The Ghanaian government on Monday outdoored a new task force to combat illegal logging and protect the country’s dwindling forest reserves.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said during the inauguration that the government would not relent in its efforts to protect Ghana’s forest reserves.
“We are committed to resetting the industry on a path of transparency, sustainability, and high efficiency through robust monitoring and enforcement,” Armah said.
He described the task force as the “frontline defence” against the destruction of Ghana’s forests, adding that forest protection is a collective responsibility
Buah urged the team members to carry out their duties with “utmost diligence and integrity” as they oversee all timber-related activities within national forest reserves.
Ghana has been using a multi-pronged approach to preserve and restore its dwindling forest reserves, including tree planting and the prevention of illegal mining. The setting up of the new task force represents one of the latest efforts by the government to deepen its forest protection measures.
Judah Mensah