Mr Kwadwo Nyame Datiakwa, Kintampo South District Chief Executive, has called on traditional authorities to assist in preserving the environment by refraining from destructive activities.
The DCE was interacting with some traditional authorities at Agyina, a farming community in the District, and some security officials at his office at the weekend, following reports of illegal chain saw operations in the
area.
He expressed regret about how some youth in the area had resorted to chain saw operations and illegal felling of trees indiscriminately.
Mr Datiakwa deplored the practice as well as the attitude of some chiefs and land owners who sold trees to timber contractors, cautioning that
the practice was unlawful and must be curbed.
He called on the unit committees and Assembly Members to gather courage and report such illegal timber operations in their areas to the District Assembly for the apprehension and prosecution of such persons.
The DCE also warned officials of the Forestry Commission against condoning and conniving with the chain saw operators and timber contractors
in their activities.
Mr Datiakwa commended security officials who mounted a task force and succeeded in arresting two KIA truck loads of illegally felled teak trees in
the area recently.
Mr Amofa Takyi, Forestry Supervisor, said the illegal chain saw operators carried out their activities in the night, which made it difficult
for officials of the Forestry Commission to apprehend them.
He, therefore, urged the communities to monitor and report such illegal activities to the Assembly for a reward. He advised drivers against
conveying timber products that were not covered by relevant documents.