The Deputy Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, George Agbenowoshi, has cited the lack of logistical support such as vehicles and motorbikes, at its district offices as a major hindrance in combating illegal mining and other harmful activities. The commission also noted that delays in the release of funds for forestry development exacerbate the problem
Speaking at a ceremony organized by Parliament to mark the Green Ghana tree-planting event, Mr. George Agbenowoshi elaborated the commission’s struggles. He mentioned the shortage of essential logistics, like pickup trucks and motorbikes which affect field operations and the fight against forest offenses, like illegal mining, illegal farming, bushfires, illegal lumbering, logging, and chainsaw activities.
Mr. Agbenowoshi also highlighted issues such as the delay in release of funds for forestry activities and the backlog of court cases relating to forestry offenses, many of which have remained unresolved for years. Cases involving Chinese nationals pose additional difficulties due to language barriers, often requiring interpreters, which sometimes result in the dismissal of these cases.
In response, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin pledged to support the Forestry Commission by procuring a pickup truck and two motorbikes to enhance its operations.
“I want to promise the Forestry Commission that we will procure a pickup and two motorbikes to help facilitate your activities,” he said.
Reflecting on Parliament’s efforts, Speaker Bagbin noted that Parliament has planted a total of 1,200 trees over the past three years, with a 90% survival rate. He called for continued collective action to restore degraded lands. He urged Ghanaians to see the environment as interconnected relationships rather than mere resources.
