Takoradi, July 17, GNA - A non-governmental organisation on Monday appealed to the Forestry Commission to grant salvage permits cautiously and only when it was extremely necessary.

This would minimise the unnecessary exploitation of timber resources by timber companies and illegal chain saw operators, Mr Kyerekwie Opoku, a coordinator of the Forest Watch Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview.

Salvage permits are supposed to be issued for the harvesting of timber and other wood species from areas earmarked for development projects. He said since 2002, more than 33 timber companies have been granted salvaging permits by the commission, but no road or development project ever took place there.

Mr Opoku said the effect of over exploitation of timber resources would impact negatively on the lives of forest fringe communities and deprive them of their livelihood.

He said the desire for foreign investors was not yielding the expected results and all efforts must be made to encourage local entrepreneurs to make meaningful contribution towards the economy. He appealed for a change in the national policy of the forestry sector to make it more vibrant.