Gov’t is considering a ban on exportation of charcoal

Ghana has been identified as huge market for the exportation of charcoal for which many are degrading the forest for it.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources ,Samuel Abu Jinapor, has said the ministry is considering the devastation caused by those involved and if it becomes necessary government is going to place a total ban on the exportation of the charcoal product.

Mr Jinapor who is on a three day tour of Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions said there is huge demand for the charcoal products in the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana and therefore if care is not taken Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry will also suffer if the ban on the exportation is not enforced.

After a close door meeting with the Bono Regional Security Council Mr. Jinapor said since becoming minister he has not granted any permit for harvesting in any of the forest reserves in the country which is a major step to protecting the country’s forest cover.

Mr Jinapor said he has also tasked the Bono Regional REGSEC to develop appropriate strategies to deal with illegal logging and deforestation.

He said government approach to restoring the country’s forest cover are in two fold. First is protecting the remaining forest and then embarking on massive Afforestation.