Hundreds of forest guards would soon be recruited, and YEN knows why
- Plans are underway to boost the staff strength of the security department of the Forestry Commission
- Concerns have been raised by stakeholders about the deplorable nature of our forest reserves
- The two – pronged plan was also designed to alleviate the challenge of unemployment in the country
The security department of the Forestry Commission (FC) may heave a sigh of relief soon, following an announcement of plans by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to recruit over four hundred forest guards to fill current vacancies. Their core task is to protect the country’s forest reserves.
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This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Benito-Owusu-Bio. He revealed that clearance is being sought from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, before the exercise commences. He went on to state that this was necessitated by the shortage of forest guards whose duty was to protect the country’s forest cover.
This was revealed after the launch of a strategic plan and the inauguration of the Board of Tropenbos Ghana (TBG).
According to him, the shortage of guards has created an avenue for forest and wildlife crimes, especially, illegal logging.
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“There are a lot of our people at home, so if you have more personnel, it would create employment and it’s about time we fill the gap”, he said
The menace of illegal chainsaw and ‘galamsey’ operators is a constant source of concern for the FC, as well as the Ministry.
Data from February 2011 to March 2013 indicate that the FC lost 62 of its guards, out of 120 who were attacked; vehicles belonging to the Commission were also vandalized.
Adding her voice, the Executive Director of the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM), tasked all Ghanaians to ensure the environmental stability, as captured in Article 41(k) of the 1992 Constitution, especially in matters of mining and environmental degradation.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
