The Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Bi-Awuribe, has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region to introduce by-laws with punitive measures against commercial charcoal production in a bid to protect the environment and preserve forest resources.
Speaking at the Green Ghana Day tree-planting exercise on Friday, June 5, the Minister expressed concern about the increasing destruction of trees for charcoal production, describing the practice as a major threat to environmental sustainability in the Savannah Region.
He noted that although previous administrations made efforts to tackle indiscriminate tree felling, the measures were not backed by legislation, limiting their effectiveness.
As a result, he charged all district assemblies in the region to ensure that, before the end of the year, their by-laws are amended to include sanctions that will deter individuals and groups engaged in commercial charcoal production.
Bi-Awuribe also called on traditional authorities to support efforts to curb the practice, stressing the need for a collective approach to protecting the region’s forest cover.
“I know my predecessors have made efforts, but it was not backed by legislation. I’m using this opportunity to direct all district assemblies that by the close of this year, we must see punitive measures in their by-laws to sanction commercial charcoal production,” he said.
