Sunyani (Brong Ahafo) 8th July '99
The Sunyani District Chief Executive, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo has called on the Department of Forestry to institute stiffer punishment against illegal timber merchants and chain-saw operators whose activities constitute a loss of revenue to the state.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo said apart from loosing revenue, their activities lead to the destruction of food and cash crops.
"What is even more disturbing is the fact that these people operate deep in the night", he told teachers and students from first and second cycle institutions in the Sunyani district at the 1999 Abor Day celebrations in the region.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo said the culture of tree planting and afforestation must not be seen as a ritual involving teachers, students and other social clubs only but a collaborative effort of traditional rulers, assembly, town and area councils as well as unit committee members.