Reduction in workforce hinders rehabilitation efforts at Pamu-Berekum forest reserve

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Reduction in workforce hinders rehabilitation efforts at Pamu-Berekum forest reserve
Pamu-Berekum forest reserve

The Assistant Manager of Dormaa District Forestry Services Division (FSD), Mr Felix Amoah, has expressed concerns about the negative impact of a reduced workforce on the rehabilitation measures and work output at the Pamu-Berekum forest reserve in Dormaa-Akwamu.

In an interview with the (GNA) during the District's Green Ghana Day (GGD) observance in Dormaa-Akwamu, Mr Amoah revealed that out of the 100 recruits from the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) engaged in fieldwork, only 29 were currently active.

These individuals are involved in tasks such as seedling nursing, site preparation, and monitoring, with supervisors overseeing their work.

Addressing the issue of unpaid allowances for the YEA personnel and its impact on work output, Mr Amoah explained that many of the recruits had left their positions.

To motivate those who remain, the FSD has provided food items such as bags of rice and cooking oil, as well as covered their medical expenses. He assured that the government would address the matter of allowance disbursement.

Mr Amoah further elaborated on the rehabilitation efforts, stating that local farmers are also engaged in replanting exercises through the Modified Taungya System (MTS).

Under this system, farmers plant trees for the (FC) alongside their food crops. The proceeds from the MTS are distributed as follows: 40% to the FC, 40% to the farmers, 15% to the stool lands, and 5% to the fringe communities.

Managing the rehabilitation of the reserve alongside the activities of local farmers has been challenging, sometimes leading to conflicts between the farmers and FSD staff, Mr Amoah admitted.

The Pamu-Berekum Forest Reserve is home to valuable indigenous tree species, but it has suffered severe degradation due to factors such as bushfires, tree harvesting, agricultural expansion, population growth, and cultural practices.

Mr Amoah emphasized the need to rehabilitate the forest reserve by introducing fast-growing species like teak, gmelina, and cedrela.

The current administration is encouraging farmers to adopt forest management practices such as MTS and commercial private plantation development while preserving indigenous species.

He appealed to the fringe communities to support the FSD in restoring the forest reserve, urging a shift in mindset to protect the trees already planted alongside food crops, and discouraging the use of harmful chemicals by local farmers.

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