The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a nine-member National Timber Monitoring Team to intensify the fight against illegal logging and unauthorised timber harvesting across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, January 12, the Minister described Ghana’s forests as a vital national asset under severe threat from illegal chainsaw operations and unsanctioned timber activities.
He said the establishment of the monitoring team forms part of renewed government efforts to protect forest resources and ensure sustainable management.
Mr. Buah explained that the team will be responsible for monitoring timber harvesting, transportation and trade, and will work closely with the Forestry Commission, security agencies and local authorities to enforce forestry laws.
He stressed that safeguarding the nation’s forests cannot be the responsibility of a single institution, urging strong collaboration among government agencies, traditional authorities, local 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,” he cautioned.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, noted that the battle against illegal logging has spanned several decades, describing recent developments as deeply worrying.
He disclosed that some forest officers had been kidnapped by illegal chainsaw operators and only released after confiscated trucks were returned.
Dr. Brown described the situation as alarming but expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated monitoring team would help strengthen existing enforcement efforts.
Chairman of the National Timber Monitoring Team, Alhaji Mohammed Kwaku Doku, expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Forestry Commission for the confidence reposed in the team.
He acknowledged the risks involved in the assignment but affirmed the team’s commitment to supporting the national fight against illegal logging.
According to him, the team will focus on closing monitoring gaps, enhancing intelligence gathering and deepening collaboration with key stakeholders.
“The task ahead is difficult, but we are determined to deliver on our mandate,” Alhaji Doku said.
He appealed for public support and urged communities to reject illegal activities that degrade and destroy forest resources.
