PRESS RELEASE

An eleven (11) member Committee to improve activities in the forest sector has been inaugurated in Accra.

The Timber Validation Committee (TVC) would monitor and ensure that the Department of the Forestry Commission, which is responsible for the verification and validation of applications for licenses, performs its functions in a credible, transparent and independent manner.

It would also establish measures to ensure that the processes of verification and verification were not interfered with as well as settle complaints made in respect of the Timber Validation Department (TVD) concerning process of verification and validation for licences regarding timber products.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini said government had an added responsibilty to educate the citizens about their rights and obligations and also the duties of the Legality Assurance System (LAS).

The Minister lamented on the weak laws enforcement inadequate monitoring and feedback mechanisms and inadequate participation of stakeholders in the policy making process as the root of illegal logging problem. He was hopeful that the TVC would address the existing inadequacies in the Forest sector.

Alhaji Fuseini urged stakeholders in the forest sector and the citizenry in general to contribute their quota in ensuring good governance.

Justice Dennis Adjei, the chairman of the committee, expressed gratitude to the Minister for appointing the members and having faith in them.

He reminded the other members of the task ahead and cautioned them to be transparent in their work.

Members of the committee include Okatakyi (Dr.) Amanfi VII, Mr. Samuel Afari Dartey, Mr. Frederick Gavor, Mr. Musah Abu-Juam, and Mr. Frank Adu-Poku.

The others are Madam Sedina Agbemava, Mr. Joshua Ansah, Mr. Imad Berbari, Mr. Kofi Afreh Boakye, and Chris Beeko.

Source: ISD (Benjamin Tandoh)