SINOE COUNTY – As calm returns to Tartweh/Drapoh Community Forest, Sinoe County following days of persistent fire exchange over the forest management, Sinoe County Superintendent Lee Nagbe Chea, the Commissioner and Magistrate of Kpanyan District along with Police authority within Sinoe are said to be at the center of accusation amidst claims and counter claims of escalating the of tension. Experts say the Law prevents external interference (local or national government officials, FDA’s direct influence) into the working of authorized community forestry programs or operations. However, documents in the possession of this paper coupled with independent investigation conducted so far showed that the “professed dismissal” of the community forest leadership was done by a group under the umbrella of “The Chief and Traditional Council of Tartweh/Drapoh Community” not the authorized forest Community Assembly (CA). This requires following a nine-step process (“the Nine Steeps”) to ensure that members of the community fully understand and support the application for Authorized Forest Community (AFC) status. It also requires the establishment of representative bodies with their own governing rules to regulate the used of the forest resources and ensure the effective administration of the AFC.

Source: Front Page Africa May 15, 2019 03:56 UTC