The Team first called on the Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, who is also a member of the Board. He expressed his satisfaction at the decision of the Board to undertake the trip and lamented on the illegalities going on in the reserves in the Region.
A part of the team, led by Hon. Benito Owusu Bio, called on the Regional Minister of the Western North Region, Hon Richard Obeng, at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC). The team was received by the Chief Director of the RCC, Mr. Sampson Amoako Kwarteng, on behalf of the Regional Minister. Hon. Owusu Bio informed the RCC that the Ministry will liaise with the Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso to curb all the illegalities going on in forest reserves in the Region. He also disclosed that setting up a community mining scheme in the area will help curb forest illegalities as it will serve as an alternative source of livelihood to the illegal operators.
The team continued to the Tano Suhien Forest Reserve to inspect some illegal logging activities being perpetuated in the area. Some illegal sawmills, which had been set up at the fringes of the Reserve, were dismantled and the machines seized by Forestry Commission officials. Hon. Owusu Bio mentioned that illegal logging in forest reserves will be dealt with just as illegal mining. He applauded the Youth in Afforestation beneficiaries in the area for the good work done to restore the forests.
