The Eastern Regional Minister, Miss Patience Adow, has expressed concern about the continous destruction of forests in many parts of the region by illegal chain saw operators. She said in spite of the public education against such illegal activities, it appears the operators are rather intensifying their activities. Miss Adow made these remarks in a speech read for her at a durbar to mark the 20th anniversary of the installation of Barima Kwame Koh as Chief of Asamang Tamfoe. She emphasised that the activities of these chain-saw operators degrade the environment. Miss Adow warned them to put an immediate stop to their activities. She also appealed to the Chiefs and Assembly members to wage a holy war against all those who still fell timber illegally. On the development of the town, the Regional Minister said no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of disunity, suspicion and bitterness, She, therefore, advised them not to allow chieftaincy disputes to divide them. Miss Adow appealed to all the people of Asamang Tamfoe to rally behind their chief to effectively develop the area. On his part, Barima Kwame Koh said there is the need for peace and unity which have seen the town through a number of development projects. He called on those he described as "local dissidents" to have a change of heart and join in the crusade to improve the town. End