Nyinahin (Ash), Dec 29, GNA- The newly created Atwima-Mponua District loses 343.4 million cedis every six months as royalties from illegal felling of timber.

Mr Nelson Amelordzi, the Nkawie District Forest Manager who disclosed this, said from January to June this year, the district lost 197.153 million cedis as timber royalties.

Speaking at a meeting of the District Assembly at Nyinahin, the forest manager attributed the loss to some people in responsible positions who team up with illegal loggers and chainsaw operators to fell trees.

Mr Amelordzi named the communities noted for this as Kyiraso, Apremadi, Anhwiafutu, Kyekyewere, Abotrampa, Apinkrom, Akentonsu, Awisesu, Bayerebon, Akotaa and Pramusu, all in the district. He regretted that proceeds from these illegal timber activities go into private pockets.

Mr Amelordzi therefore asked the Atwima-Mponua District Assembly to form a task force to flush out these economic saboteurs.