The Kyebi District Office of the Forestry Commission has arrested 55 persons for mining illegally in the forest.
Eleven out of the 55 persons arrested have been sentenced to prison between five to 15 years depending on the severity of the offence committed.
The Eastern Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Nana Poku Bosompim who disclosed this in an interview with GBC Sunrise FM indicated that it will continue to arrest, prosecute culprits and confiscate machinery used to engage in illegal activities in the forest.
This, according to him, will help eliminate these activities since they are depleting the environment. Mr. Bosompim outlined the procedure one needs to follow to obtain a permit from the Forestry Commission before cutting down trees in the forest, whether or not it is for commercial or domestic purposes.
He further urged the public to follow the appropriate procedure before cutting down trees in the forest to help sustain a greener environment. Regarding last year’s tree planting Mr. Bosompim noted that 80% out of the seven million seedlings planted have germinated and are doing well.
According to him, there is periodic inspection of the trees and ensures that they are nurtured and maintained properly across the streets and forests in the country.
Mr. Bosompim disclosed that it is out of the success of the tree planting exercise last year that the Forestry Commission has decided to plant an additional 20 million trees this year.
He has therefore called on the public to visit all offices in the various regions across the country to receive their seedlings free of charge for planting.
