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Natural Resources, Nii Osah Mills, has rallied people in the forest fringe communities to lead efforts at protecting the reserves.

They should show ownership and do everything to make sure that the forest and its resources were properly and effectively managed.

He was speaking at a meeting with the chiefs and people of Kansakrom, a community on the edge of the Asenayo Forest Reserve in the Atwima-Mponua District.

This was after the Minister had inspected the reserve to acquaint himself with the general state of things. 

Nii Osah Mills suggested the formation of community forest committees to support forest guards to prevent encroachment by, particularly illegal miners and loggers.

He said it was in everybody’s interest to preserve the nation’s reserves and the vegetative cover, adding that, the erratic rainfall pattern should be a wake-up call.

He spoke against the situation where some people cultivated cocoa farms right inside the reserves, engaged in illegal charcoal production and started wildfires.

These, he said, were completely unacceptable and must stop. 

Mr. William Hannah, the European Union (EU) Representative in Ghana, applauded the people of Kansakrom for taking steps to protect the Asenayo Reserve.

They had formed a committee to watch over the reserve and promote its sustainable management.