Goaso(Brong Ahafo) 8th July '99

The Asunafo district officer of the department of game and wildlife has appealed to assembly members, unit committees and traditional councils in the Asunafo, Dormaa and the Asutifi districts to assist the department to curb the activities of poachers.

Mr Frank Nana Bonsu, said at Goaso that the department, which operates in eleven forest reserves within the three districts, has only four forest guards.

He appealed to the government to provide the guards with motorbikes to enable them undertake their duties more effectively.

He expressed concern over the activities of poachers in the districts and urged the public to report anyone poaching elephants from the reserves.

"Do not take delight from the meat you get from the carcass of the elephant and report those who kill the elephants for their tusk", he pleaded.

Nana Bonsu said the department has embarked on a conservation education programme to sensitise the people on the need to protect the elephants.

He reminded the public that, permits for hunting could only be issued by the department but warned that hunting is not permitted between August and December every year.