The illegal harvesting, transport and export of rosewood continues despite an outright ban because the criminals violating the ban and engaged in this criminal act have no fear. They know when found out or arrested they will walk away free.
The rosewood thieves know no serious investigation will be conducted when thier loot is impounded because the beneficiaries in officialdom, and or are connected to political power, will intervene. This is why since the ban and so-called reinforced bans, including a recent total ban of export of rosewood, the illegal logging and transportation and export is still continuing.
We are still waiting to see what will happen to the owners of the 5 containers impounded at the Tema port in June. So far no arrest occurred though the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources told Parliament the owners were uncovered. We are in August folks, not even an arrest. So what are the chances that anything will happen in the case of the impounded rosewood at Diare in the Savlugu District on August 12th.
The current Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Abu Jinapor, must show that it’s not business as usual. His reputation is on the line. If Ghanaians don’t see arrests and prosecutions of those breaking the law by harvesting, transporting and exporting or attempting to export rosewood, then it would be clear as always, the official complicity is to blame.
In Solidarity!
Dr. Clement Abas Apaak
M.P, Builsa South
