Member of Parliament for Builsa South Constituency in the Upper East Region, Dr Clement Abas Apaak has sent a strong warning to the current Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Abu Jinapor regarding the fight against illegal logging and transportation of rosewood.
According to the MP, if the Minister fails to show and implement pragmatic measures to end the canker as soon as possible his reputation will be on the line and will soon see by many as the worst Land Minister who only pays lip service to issues.
He said, “If Ghanaians don’t see arrests and prosecutions of those who are breaking the law by harvesting, transporting and exporting or attempting to export rosewood, then it would be clear as always, the official complicity is to blame.”
Dr Apaak made the comment regarding the recent impoundment of a truckload of rosewood by the Savelugu District Police on the 21st of August 2021 on the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway.
The situation, the lawmaker noted that the continuous engagement of persons into the illegality was due to the failure by authorities to crack the wipe.
“The illegal harvesting, transport and export of rosewood continue despite an outright ban because the criminals violating the ban and engaged in this criminal act have no fear. They know when found out or arrested they will walk away freely.”
He stressed “The rosewood thieves know no serious investigation will be conducted when their loot is impounded because the beneficiaries in officialdom, and or are connected to political power will intervene. This is why since the ban and so-called reinforced bans, including a recent total ban of export of rosewood, the illegal logging and transportation and export is continuing.”
“We are still waiting to see what will happen to the owners of the 5 containers impounded at the Tema port in June. So far no arrest has occurred though the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources told Parliament the owners were uncovered. We are in August folks, not even an arrest. So what are the chances that anything will happen in the case of the impounded rosewood at Diare in the Savlugu District on”, he asked.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
