Farmer remanded for destroying forest reserve

A 28-year-old farmer, who is alleged to have destroyed about five hectares of the Desire Forest Reserve, near Mankranso in the Ahafo-Ano South District, has been remanded into prison custody by the Nkawie Circuit Court.

Thomas Lare, is said to have unlawfully entered the forest reserve where he illegally fell different species of trees without authority.

His plea was not taken and would come back to the court presided over by Mr Michael Johnson Abbey on July 22, this year.

Police Inspector Jonas Newlove Agyei, prosecuting, said the complainant was the Range Manager of the Desire Forest Reserve, near Nimasua Number Two, within the Mankranso Forest District.

He said on July 04 this year, at about 2pm, the complainant together with a task force was on their normal patrols at the reserve and met the accused and two others, who are currently on the run, cutting the trees.

 Inspector Agyei said the accused was arrested and in his caution statement at the police station at Manfo, he admitted the offence and was charged by the police and brought before the court.  GNA