By Felix Cofie.
Government is considering a ban on the export of charcoal. Ghana has been identified as a huge avenue for the export of charcoal for which many are degrading the forest.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, said the Ministry is considering the devastation caused by those involved and if it becomes necessary the government is going to place a total ban on the export of charcoal.
Mr. Jinapor, who is on a three-day tour of Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions said there is huge demand for charcoal products by pharmaceutical companies and if care is not taken, Ghana’s Pharmaceutical Industry will also suffer if the ban is not enforced.
After a closed-door meeting with the Bono Regional Security Council, Mr. Jinapor said since becoming Minister, he has not granted any permit for harvesting in any of the forest reserves in the country which is a major step towards protecting the country’s forest cover.
Mr. Jinapor said he has also tasked the Bono Regional Security Council to develop appropriate strategies to deal with illegal logging and deforestation.
”The government’s approach to restoring the country’s forest cover is twofold. First is protecting the remaining forest and then embarking on massive Afforestation,” he posited.