NEWS ARCHIVE 2006 - 09

Assemblies in the Gonja Traditional Area of the Northern Region have started enforcing a ban on charcoal burning by the traditional council.

Date Created : 9/25/2009 7:59:13 AM : Story Author : GhanaDistrict.Com

Assemblies in the Gonja Traditional Area of the Northern Region have started enforcing a ban on charcoal burning by the traditional council.

Consequently, the West Gonja Assembly last week confiscated alittle over 2,000 bags from charcoal burners.

The district Chief Executive, Adam Muntakilu, told Times that the Assembly would do everything possible to stop charcoal burning in the district completely.

To achieve the goal, he said,the assembly had formed a task force comprising the Police,Fire andCustoms, Excise and Preventive Service to monitor this illegal activity on 24 hours basis.

He stated that any charcoal seen in the district would be seized, sold and the proceeds used to replant trees.

he cautioned members of the task force to live above board to enhance the success of the operation.

The Central Gonja District Chief Executive, Issifu Sualisu Be-Enwurabe, said that those engaged in charcoal burning had been warned tom put a stop to it.

The Assembly last month gave charcoal burners a month’s ultimatum to clear the charcoal and warned that any person found burning charcoal would be dealt with.

He said that charcoal burning had long term negative effect on the environment which must be checked.

Mr. Issifu commended the chiefs of the area for their initiative and pledged the aseembly’s determination to enforce the ban.     

Times/DS