The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has set up a nine-member Timber Monitoring Team to strengthen the fight against illegal logging and other unlawful activities in Ghana’s forest reserves.

The new team will oversee all 288 forest reserves across the country, with a mandate to track illegal timber operations, monitor misconduct, and address threats against forestry officers.

Speaking after the inauguration on Monday, January 12, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, said the move is necessary because monitoring activities across the country’s forests requires strong intelligence gathering.

“We have 288 forest reserves. It might be difficult for the Forest Commissioner to know what is happening at all times, because some of these situations require a lot of intelligence,” the minister explained.

He added that the team will play a key role in identifying illegal logging operations and protecting forestry officials who are sometimes attacked while carrying out their duties.

“That is why this team is very important. The team will look at illegal logging and, in some instances, attacks on forest officers,” he said.

The ministry says the initiative forms part of broader efforts to protect Ghana’s forests and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources.