Koforidua (B/A), Aug. 25, GNA - Mr James Kwabena Appiah-Awuah, Nkoranza District Chief Executive, has urged Assembly Members and opinion leaders to report unauthorized timber contractors to the law enforcement agencies, since their nefarious activities destroy the environment.

The DCE expressed concern about the activities of Vamon Timber Company from Techiman, who had started dealing in teak timber at Koforidua, a farming community in the Nkoranza District. The DCE was surprised that the Manager of the Company, Mr Francis Ndeni, had been able to work in the area for almost four weeks without the knowledge of the authorities of the District Assembly. Mr Ndeni has established a table sawmill to treat teak logs on a piece of land at Koforidua from where they are sent elsewhere for sale. Mr Appiah-Awuah questioned as to how the community leaders had refused to inform the District Assembly about the activities of the company, as he was amassing wealth at the expense of the welfare of the people, as well as the development of the district.

He called on the Forestry Division to check the activities of timber dealers to ensure that they did not rob the nation of expected revenue.

Mr Appiah-Awuah cautioned forestry guards and technical officers of the Forestry Division against condoning and conniving with wayside timber contractors and illegal chainsaw operators to steal timber species from the forests and urged them to expose such people to be punished accordingly.

The Chief Executive, who was on a familiarization visit to the area

stressed the need for Ghanaians to be very loyal and honest in serving the state.

He called on parents to check their children against negative practices and attitudes, which would not help them to become responsible citizens.

Mr Appiah-Awuah deplored the shabby and stylish dressings of the youth, especially the girls, which he said had contributed to the increasing sexual promiscuity amongst them and asked parents to help mould their children, so they could lead morally upright lives. Nana George Ampienti, Assembly Member, pledged the support of the people to enable the DCE to be successful during his tenure in office. He appealed to the District Assembly to construct two boreholes and a KVIP place of convenience for the community.

Meanwhile, the Management of Vamon Timber Company has been advised to report at the District Assembly to process the necessary documents that would permit them to work in the district or else would face court action.