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As part of measures to protect the region's forest reserves, the Brong Ahafo regional minister, MR. Kwaku Asoma- Cheremeh, has said the laws will deal with lumber companies and chainsaw operators who do not get licenses from the forestry commission before engaging in tree felling.

His warning follows the invasion of the Ayum forest reserve in the Ahafo Mim and Ntotroso areas and other forest reserves in the region by illegal lumber companies.

The minister together with the Regional police commander, DCOP Kwame Tachie- Poku and some security personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces invaded the Ayum Forest reserve that lies between Mim in the Asunafo north municipality through the Asutifi North to clamp down the activities of illegal chainsaw operators.

In their swoop, the illegal operators bolted leaving behind the logs and their machines which were picked up by the security personnel.

Illegal tree felling has increasingly assumed alarming proportions in the region's forest reserves recently, especially in the Kintampo North, Asuti North, Tano North and south, and Tain districts.

The dreadful practice is visible at the Derma, Twabidi, Badu, Mim, Kenyasi,Ntotroso and its immediate environs where it is threatening to pollute river bodies and farmlands.

The menace when unchecked, according to the Forestry Commission regional manger, MR. Thomas Okyere, may result in water bodies drying up and peoples farm produce destroyed which will result in consequences inimical to human life.

Bemoaning the escalating illegal act on the sidelines of the World Forest Day which was observed on Tuesday, Mr Asoma- Cheremeh warned political figures and traditional rulers who are aiding the menace in the region to desist from it since his office will deal with culprits ruthlessly.

"All political figures who are engaging in this acts will be severely punished and the chiefs hauled to the Regional House of chiefs for appropriate sanctions", he revealed.