Forestry Commission warns timber operators over unsecured logs

The Forestry Commission has reiterated its directive requiring all logs to be properly secured before they are transported from forest areas, following an incident involving a truck carrying logs at Trede in the Ashanti Region.

The reminder comes after a video circulated on social media showing a truck loaded with logs reversing while attempting to climb a hilly road at Trede.No casualties were reported in the incident.

The Commission’s Area Manager for Timber Industry Development, Richmond Karikari, said forestry officers are required to inspect and ensure that logs are properly secured before issuing the documentation needed for their transportation.

He explained that the safety procedure begins at the forest gate, where officers are expected to ensure that the logs have been properly fastened before the vehicle leaves the forest area.

Before the logs move from the forest gate, the officers make sure that the trees are fully secured. They secure the logs before they even issue them with the necessary documentation to move the truck through town,” he said.

According to Mr Karikari, the requirement is intended to minimise the risk posed by unsecured logs during transportation, particularly on public roads and difficult terrain.

Mr Karikari also confirmed that the incident at Trede was reported to the Police, who responded to the scene and took steps to secure the area.

He said the logs were subsequently removed from the scene and the trucks were towed to the police station.The issue was reported to the police. The police were there; they were able to secure the place, evacuate the logs, and then tow the trucks to the police station,” he added.

The incident has renewed attention on safety practices surrounding the transportation of timber from Ghana’s forest areas.

The Forestry Commission’s reminder underscores the requirement for timber operators and transporters to ensure that logs are properly secured before vehicles leave forest gates and enter public roads.