In a bid to protect and preserve forest reserves for future generations, the Forestry Commission in the Western North Region of Ghana has seized twenty-six (26) illegal chainsaw machines being operated day and night in forest reserves.
The operation, dubbed (Operation Arrest Chainsaw), resulted in the arrest of eight (8) operators.
The Western North Regional Forestry Range Manager and Coordinator of the Forestry Commission, George Arthur, confirmed the arrest to the press on Thursday, March 16, 2023.
He led the Rapid Team to embark on the operations, which were specifically designed to arrest only chainsaw machines operating illegally in forest reserves.
Arthur explained that chainsawing is the primary threat to the reserves, hence their decision to embark on the exercise against illegal operators. The Rapid team was divided into five groups and dispatched into the reserves where illegal chainsawing usually takes place.
During the operation, 26 chainsaw machines, pump-action guns with cartridges, two ‘jacks’, and other items were retrieved from the operators.
Moreover, the Western North Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Stephen Asamoah Duah, also added that the 26 chainsaw machines were retrieved within a space of just five days; most of these arrests took place in the middle of the night.
The Commission has urged the public to support its efforts to protect and preserve the country’s forest reserves.
