Crime & Punishment of Friday, 23 February 2007

Source: GNA

Court remands businessman for felling timber in forest reserve

Nyinahin (Ash), Feb 23, GNA- The Nyinahin Magistrate Court has remanded a 35-year-old businessman; Nana Appiah, for unlawful entry and felling of trees in a forest reserve without authority. Appiah, who plea was not taken, would re-appear on February 26, 2007.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector David Nkrumah-Danso told the court presided over by Mr Augustine Essah that on February 17, this year, the businessman allegedly entered the forest reserve at Ataaso with a truck to convey illegal sawn lumber and logs. He said the chief and assembly member of the town mobilised the youth and arrested the accused who was loading 80 pieces of the lumber and logs.

The Prosecutor said Appiah mentioned one Kwadwo from Kumasi who authorized him to enter the forest to fell the trees. Chief Inspector Nkrumah-Danso said the accused was handed over to the police and after investigations he was charged with the offence.