Mr Atta Owusu, Eastern Regional Forestry Officer, has appealed to communities near forest reserves to support the Forestry Commission to protect them against bush fires.

He said in the wake of extreme dry weather conditions prevailing in the country, it is important for the appeal to be taken seriously.

Mr Owusu who was speaking to Ghana News Agency in Koforidua said the communities around forest reserves should protect the resource from the ravaging effects of climate change and their sources of water.

He urged the communities to support the forestry guards to drive away illegal miners, chainsaw operators and hunters who enter the forest reserves to undertake activities that promote their selfish interest.

Mr Owusu expressed the need for more resources to establish fire volunteers and forest protection clubs in schools and communities near forest reserves.

Mr Owusu said the current challenge facing the commission is how to flush out about 500 illegal miners who had invaded the Kweikaru Forest Reserve in the Birim North District and threatening the 257 hectares of the reserve.

He explained that due to lack of patriotism, any plans made to invade the forest to arrest the illegal miners is leaked for the perpetrators to escape before the forestry commission staff and the security personnel arrive at the place.

The Region has 48 forest reserves which covers 1769.40 square kilometers.