The Ahanta West District on Thursday inaugurated Marine and Coastal Resources Committee to ensure effective and sustainable management of the critical coastal habitats and facilitate environmental protection.

The eight-member Committee, made up of representatives of the Fisheries Commission, Wildlife Division of the Commission, District Assembly, traditional authority, as well as representatives from the fishermen and fishmongers associations.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Agona-Nkwanta, Mr Joseph Dofoyenah, District Chief Executive entreated the Committee to work within its mandate to protect the marine resources.

He said the Committee is supposed to liaise with the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders towards the conservation of the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve and wetlands in the district.

Members are also required to provide support for sustainable fisheries management through co-management processes, compliance and enforcement of fisheries laws.

Mr Dofoyenah said the Committee is supposed to provide useful inputs for environmental and social impact assessment processes for investments and physical development in the coastal zone of the district.

Mr Stephen Kankam, Programmes Coordinator of Hen Mpoano Initiative, an NGO concerned with the protection of natural resources, said the Organisation is collaborating with the Assembly to strengthen the capacity of Committee members to ensure effective execution of its mandate.

He said the NGO had trained more than 100 persons in the District to offer surveillance at the Cape-Three-Points Forest Reserve to avoid encroachment and illegal logging.

Mr Kankam entreated the Committee to make appropriate recommendations for improved management of the coastal resources.