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The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural resources, in charge of Lands and Forestry, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio ( MP) has announced that government through the Ministry will henceforth approach the combat against illegal logging and Chainsaw operations in the same measure as galamsey is being dealt with.

Hon. Owusu-Bio told the media when he led a team on a fact finding Mission on Thursday, 13th January, 2022 to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of claims of illegal mining and logging ongoing in some forest reserves in Sefwi Wiawso of the Western North Region.

Hon. Benito accompanied by some officers and Board Members of the Forestry Commission and the Sefwi Wiawso Omanhene, visited a number of these reserves in Tanoso Shen, Asanti Nkae and Kokooso to see for himself the extent of illegalities in the area.

On arrival to some three illegal sawmill set ups close to the forest reserves and owned by the operators, the Deputy Minister ordered for the immediate demolishing of the structures and seizure of all movable equipments at the grounds.

Having witnessed the gravity of the illegal logging and Chainsaw operations, he believes that they cannot solve such a canker in just one visit and gave the assurance that his outfit and the Board will make arrangements to visit the region again to ensure that they alay the fears of the Forestry officials and send out a stern warning to these illegal operators.

"We are going to put together strategies and we will be back again and this time it will not be only to Sefwi but to Ahafo and all the other places where these illegal loggers hide, we will burn all these if we have to, just to ensure that we bring their operations to the bearest minimum"

Speaking to the media, the minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Atwima-Nwabiagya North constituency, applauded the officials expecially the Youth In Afforestation team for their efforts and support to the Commission so far.

He further disclosed that Government has given the clearance to employ more officials to help in the fight and soon they will have more forest guards and rangers to join the combat.

He further appealed to the forestry officials in the area and farm owners to guard and prevent the reserves from wildfires in this dry season.

" We are in the dry season and therefore we must beware of Bush fires. To the farmers, be sure not to set fires whatsoever because they can turn into bigger fires putting our reserves in danger."

The District Manager of the Sefwi Wiawso Forestry Commission, Mr. Raymond Obeng Boamah, on his part disclosed that there are three main illegal activities happening in the reserves, which include illegal logging, illegal Chainsawing, and illegal farming.

He explained that the illegal operators are dangerous, armed to the teeth and operate with impunity.

"These guys who operate in the reserves are armed with all sort of weapons, being guns, machetes and all other means that they use to perpetuate their crime."

"Anytime our officals confiscated any of their machines, they go to the extent of beating them up and kidnapping them to use as ransom to get back their equipments," he added.