Nkoranza (B/A) Feb. 16, GNA - Residents of Donkro-Nkwanta in the Nkoranza District of Brong Ahafo have expressed their indignation over the continued activities of chainsaw operators in the area. Nana Osum Atakora, Krontihene and Chairman of the Community Forest Committee in the area told Ghana News Agency at Nkoranza that the activities of the operators had assumed such alarming proportions that it had become necessary for the people to form a task force to arrest the situation.

He expressed regret that the situation was compounded by the active connivance of some farmers and landowners who had claimed ownership of some timber species on their farm lands and therefore had the right to sell them to chainsaw operators.

The chief, however said the people resolved at a meeting organised by the chiefs, unit committees and Assembly members to report those found illegally felling timber to the Police for their arrest. Nana Atakora cautioned that no individual farmer had the right to sell timber species on farmlands and that offenders would be made to face the law.

He called on the people of Kyeradeso, Salamkrom, Nwoase, Aboasu, Nkwaese and Chechewere to help in arresting the offenders. Officials of the Nkoranza District Forestry Office have commended the people of Donkro-Nkwanta for taking the initiative to check illegal chainsaw operations.