Climate Change & Energy
S/R: Taskforce Ready As Deadline Looms For Banning Of Rosewood Logging And Commercial Charcoal Burning
Source: ghenvironment.com - May 1, 2021
Baring any last minute hitches, the full implementation of the banning of illegal rosewood logging and charcoal burning in the Savannah Region will commence this month as the Regional Coordinating Council has set up and inaugurated a special taskforce.
The Savannah region is noted for production of charcoal in commercial quantities and the harvesting of rosewood, which are all illegal.
The Savannah Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) has therefore taken a firm decision to completely ban commercial charcoal burning and also rosewood harvesting in a bid to protect the environment.
The taskforce, made up of the Police and civilians was inaugurated at the premises of the Savannah Regional coordinating Council in Damongo by the Savannah Regional Minister Mr Saeed Muhazu Jibril.
Mr Muhazu in a speech said, it is the mandate of the taskforce to ensure that the menace is curbed by arresting those involve, with their vehicles carrying the charcoal impounded.
He again urged the taskforce to make sure nobody is spared when caught in the act, assuring that, there would not be any political and traditional interference in their duties.
The Chairman of the taskforce who doubles as the Savannah Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr. Enoch Adutwum Bediako in an address said, even though it is a heavy responsibility, they are poised to carry out the mandate.
He noted that, a damage to the environment does not only affect members of the region but the whole country.
He announced that, the grace period for the taskforce to start its operation is 30th April, 2021 but an additional week has been added to be able to allow the process to smoothly take effect.
He further called on the media to help educate the masses about the effects of destruction of the environment.
He assured the Regional Minister and the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council of the readiness of the taskforce to execute its mandate without fear or favour.