Rosewood report to be made public soon – Minister

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, has assured the public that findings by the committee tasked to investigate the illegal felling and export of rosewood would be made public. At the Meet the Press Series on Wednesday, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh insisted the seven-member committee will work diligently as it is bent on ending the illegal rosewood trade. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on August 26 inaugurated the committee to probe allegations of rosewood smuggling in Ghana. This followed a US-based Environmental Investigations Agency’s (EIA) publication which alleged rosewood smuggling is rampant in the country despite a ban. The committee headed by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio, was given five weeks to investigate the issue and report their findings. The Minister said the committee is currently in the Northern Region capital of Tamale as part of their task to unravel the allegations. He said as soon as the report of the committee is ready, it will be made public. Meanwhile, Builsa South Member of Parliament Dr Clement Apaak accused the committee of being compromised and that it cannot be trusted. Reacting to Dr Apaak’s concerns, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh insisted the committee will be successful and rather called on the lawmaker to support the members. By Selorm Amenyah|3news.com|Ghana]]>