A forest conservation organisation, Tropenbos, has raised concerns about a permit issued by the government to a timber milling company, John Bitar Company, to carry out timber production in some forest reserves in the Western Region.
The permit, which was issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, grants the milling company access to over 120 square kilometers of forest reserves in Subri and Krokosua.
According to a letter sighted by JoyNews, the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry instructed the Forestry Commission to grant a Timber Utilisation Contract to Messrs John Bitar Company Limited for partial coverage in Globally Significant Biodiversity areas in the Subri and Krokosua forest reserves after the company petitioned the Lands Ministry for assistance to save 2,000 jobs and avoid possible collapse.
However, Tropenbos Deputy Director, Boakye Twumasi Ankrah, has expressed concerns that the government’s decision to grant the permit may violate international treaties and agreements that Ghana has signed, which place restrictions on the use of forest reserves.
He also stated that the permit for John Bitar Company may open the floodgates for other timber companies to apply to enter protected areas, which would be unacceptable.
Mr. Ankrah has urged the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to reconsider the permit and possibly withdraw it as it goes against the principles of sustainability and conservation. This move is aimed at preserving the forest reserves and adhering to international commitments on biodiversity conservation.
