The Bono Regional Forestry Commission (FC) has seized 21 vehicles transporting illegal lumber from various forest reserves in the region.
This operation, ongoing for a month, led to the apprehension of different vehicles on various routes and occasions.
The confiscated lumber includes Ceiba, ‘Kyenkyen’ (Antiaris toxicaria), ‘Essia,’ ‘Ofram,’ ‘Wawa,’ ‘Mansonia,’ ‘Odum,’ and other tree species.
During a media briefing in Sunyani, Augustine Gyedu, the Bono Regional FC Manager, revealed that out of the 21 impounded vehicles, 11 lacked documentation for the lumber they were transporting.
The remaining vehicles, with proper documentation, either contained multiple species of lumber not specified in the documents or had a smaller quantity of lumber than stated in their documentation.
Gyedu explained that the Commission had obtained a court order to seize the illegally transported lumber without proper documentation. He also mentioned that vehicles with documentation but carrying excess or different species of lumber not specified would also face confiscation.
He mentioned that some of the seized lumber would be allocated to the Regional Coordinating Council for making school furniture. Another portion would be given to the Regional Sports Authority to upgrade the football stands at the Sunyani Coronation Park. The remaining lumber would be sold to the public.
Regarding penalties, Mr. Gyedu stated that the apprehended vehicles would face fines ranging from GhC1,500.00 to GhC10,000.00, depending on their size and type.
He appealed to individuals involved in illegal lumbering and the general public to cease such activities, emphasizing that anyone found guilty would be prosecuted in a competent court of law.
Gyedu encouraged individuals and companies interested in purchasing the confiscated lumber to submit their applications for evaluation, with the assurance that applications meeting the supply criteria would be considered.