Forestry warns against rampant cutting of mango trees

The Department’s Director Lt. Colonel Salifu Corr described the act as illegal, saying they’re deeply concerned.

Speaking in an interview with The Point on Monday, Lt. Colonel Corr vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the preservation and protection of the forest. He reminded the people that mango trees in an orchard have equal rights just as trees in the forest, warning that the Department will not hesitate to crackdown any individual engaging in these illegal activities.

Lt. Colonel Corr further warned that the Department of Forestry will do every humanely possible to ensure zero tolerance for cutting down of mango trees at orchards and homes which apply to any other trees in the bush.

However, he urged the cooperation of communities and to also report any suspect of such an act. He further warned that anyone found wanting will face the full force of the law.

The Forestry Director also advised those who wish to cut should seek advice before being found wanting.

“We are entrusted as a Department to preserve and protect the forest, and there is no doubt that we will implement our mandates to the latter,” he further warned. 

The Department of Forestry also warned estate developers to avoid buying lands near the forest parks or community forests. He said the Department of Forestry will be monitoring malpractices and would not compromise with any estate developer found wanting. 

He reiterated the importance of forest cover, noting it is where human beings get oxygen, medicine and rain to mitigate climate change.

He thus called on estate developers to always be in consultation with the Department of Forestry before acting in the forest to avoid future interruption.

He called for attitudinal change towards the forest, saying: “Let’s protect our environment for future generation.”

“We should avoid practices that may lead us in conflict with the Forestry Act. The Department of Forestry has an open door policy where one can seek advice, clarification and consultation to get it right in accordance with the Forestry Act,” Corr noted.