The Deputy Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, George Agbenowoshi, has revealed that, Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, are often discharged by the courts due to a lack of interpreters. He noted that these cases typically drag on in court and are eventually dismissed because of the language barrier. Speaking at a mini ceremony organized by Parliament as part of its activities to mark the 2024 Green Ghana Day, Mr. Agbenowoshi lamented the numerous challenges faced by district Forestry offices across the country. He emphasized the untimely release of funds and the legal difficulties the Commission encounters in prosecuting Chinese nationals. Mr. Agbenowoshi also bemoaned the inadequate logistics which he indicated is negatively affecting its fight against forest offences including galamsey, illegal farming and a host of other illicit activities. “Logistics such as pickup vehicles and motorbikes for our field operations and activities at the various districts stations are challenging…and that makes it difficult to fight forest offences in our forest reserves. “These offenses include illegal mining activities, illegal farming, bushfires, illegal lumbering, illegal logging and chainsaw activities across the country. Meanwhile the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has called for all hands on deck to restore and rejuvenate degraded lands and support biodiversity as Parliament commits to planting 500 trees this year. This speaker made this call today in a tree plant exercise organised by parliament as part of the Green Ghana Day under the theme, growing for a greener tomorrow. The speaker, addressing the gathering also outlined plans to commit resources for the protection and survival and of the trees planted