A sharp warning has been unleashed to the commercial charcoal workers and Loggers to vacate the Savannah region in four weeks time by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The Regional minister Hon. Saaed Muazu in a press conference at Damongo, the Savannah regional capital, noted that those caught in this business after the stipulated time will face the austerity of the law.
Illegal loggers have taken over the Savannah region cutting down both big and small trees with commercial charcoal business also accelerating. This is fast causing the forest reserves of the region to deplete drastically.
The situation which is getting to a decade now since its inception in the region has been met with acute resistance from both Traditional Authorities and the government through its Municipal and District Chief Executives.
In 2015, His Royal Highness, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa in a traditional council meeting in Yapei placed a ban on all logging and commercial charcoal burning activities throughout the entire Gonjaland. All this efforts has however proven fruitless as activities related to the business thrive day-in day-out.
Not even the confiscation of fully loaded trucks with charcoal and the closure of a logging factory could break the high flying wings of the business.
There seemed to be a reignited hopes as the Savannah Regional Security Council has given a four-week ultimatum to all involved the business to pack out of the region.
Speaking at the press conference, Hon Saaed noted that any vehicle loaded with charcoal or logs will never be allowed to leave the borders of Gonjaland, whiles also calling on all stakeholders, high profile and meaningful Gonjalanders to rise up to actions to ensure the agenda against this business prove fruitful this time round.
“They have just four weeks to pack their belongings and leave the region. Thirty days from today, if we find anyone doing logging or burning charcoal with or without permit, the law will take its course on them,” he declared.