Nyinahin (Ash), July 27, GNA - Mr Edward Obiaw, Director of Resource Management Support Centre of the Forestry Commission (FC), has invited all Ghanaians to join in efforts at stopping the growing destruction of the nation's forests. He said there was the need for everybody to accept to do his or her bi= t to protect the forest and its resources. He was inaugurating a Community Forest Committee at Nyinahin in the Atwima-Mponua District.

The members would assist to check illegal activities in the Asenayo Forest Reserve. Mr Obiaw expressed worry about the over-exploitation of timber within and off-reserve areas, mining and wildfires and said these were major challenges that needed to be dealt with decisively. There should be adequate and rigid enforcement of policies and regulations to rein in those plundering the forest. He spoke of the determination of the Commission to secure the forest and regenerate denuded reserves.

It was on account of this that they had introduced transparent and efficient allocation of timber resources through competitive bidding, alternative livelihood schemes and active involvement of forest fringe communities in the implementation of wildlife management and eco-tourism programmes. Mr Isaac Adonteng, Acting Nkawie District Manager of the Forest Services Division (FSD) of FC, described as 93alarming" the rate at whic= h the Asenayo Reserve was being degraded by illegal logging, farming and charcoal burning.