Mr. Lawerence Fosu, District Manager of the Forestry Services Commission in the Aowin and Suaman Districts, has lauded communities closer to forest reserves for their commitment in protecting these resources.

He said the Commission sees such communities as valuable assets, adding, “they are the chief securities of our forests,” and it is therefore prudent that these communities benefit directly and indirectly, especially from legal timber firms operating in the districts.

Mr Fosu was speaking at Aowin, when Samatex, together with other lumbering companies signed a social responsibility agreement with the leadership of the communities in their operating areas.

He cautioned the fringe communities and illegal chain saw operators not to destroy the forests, or turn them into cocoa farms, warning that anyone found guilty would be dealt with accordingly.

Nana Adu Kweku the third, Chief of Nyankamum, expressed gratitude to the companies, and urged them to go by the dictates of the agreement, to improve the living standards of the people.

Mr Fosu used the occasion to educate the public about roles and regulations guiding our forests.

Mr K. F. Ghartey, Forestry Consultant for Samartex Ghana Limited, said the company was always eager to help the fringe communities in their operational areas.