The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has insinuated that there is a sophisticated cartel involved in the illegal Rosewood trade in the country.
According to the Minister,;the continuity of the illegal activity suggests that the activity is being operated by not just a small number of individuals but a well organized syndicate.
He further noted that checks are being put in place by the Ministry to find out those involved. He then added that the ministry is in talks with the National Security;to investigate how some persons are continually making moves to trade illegally in rosewood.
“We are convinced that there is a very sophisticated cartel involved in this trade,;and we think that the national security can unravel it. Also
“We have requested the national security architecture to assist;the ministry to unravel and enable us to better understand the issues and circumstances surrounding the operations of this cartel”.
Samuel Jinapor
Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor stated this when he inspected the confiscated Rosewood containers at the Tema Port with his team.
Mr. Jinapor further posited that; the fight against rosewood trade and exportation is about the natural resources of the country,;the forest cover, the climate of the country and the fight for all the citizens.
Gov’t hands over impounded Rosewood containers
The lands minister also disclosed that government has handed over 13 impounded Rosewood containers to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB);for a comprehensive investigation.
The investigation,;he said,;seeks to unravel persons and circumstances behind the importation of the commodity into the country. Also,
The Minister also stated that, under the instructions of the President of the Republic,;H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,;the country has placed an outright ban on Rosewood harvesting and trade,;hence leading to the confiscation of the commodity in the country.
He stated that based on the provision of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES),;five countries in the West African Sub-Region can not trade in Rosewood.
These countries,;he further indicated,;are Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Senegal. These countries,;he said,;will be discredited for exporting rosewood illegally out of the country.
Gov’t to roll-out new policies
Mr. Jinapor also indicated that;Government in the coming months will roll-out new policies regarding the use of impounded Rosewood. Also
“This is to enhance the current enforcement regime on the ban on the commodity instituted by the government;and ensure that punitive measures are meted out to persons who engage in any illegality regarding rosewood.”
Samuel Jinapor
The Minister,;moreover, said the current enforcement regime on the ban on Rosewood;instituted by the government has been successful in ensuring regular confiscation of illegal Rosewood. Also
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources;in collaboration with the National Security and;Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority impounded thirteen containers of rosewoods.
On Friday,;August 27, 2021,;13 containers of Rosewood impounded at the Tema Port;and after confirmation were believed to have been transported from Nigeria into the country. Also
