MONROVIA: As a probe into the unlawfully harvested logs recently arrested by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) in three trucks conveying a total of four containers of Ekki logs (Lophira allata) in Bomi and Gbarpolu Counties deepens, an Ex- diplomat, Mr. Isaac Richmond Anderson, allegedly connected with the deal is being dragged to court by the FDA in addition to those already sued.
Additionally, the FDA has suspended two rangers, Mr. Edward Jallah and Mr. Varney Marshall, who are accused of facilitating and involvement in illegal logging. The FDA has subjected the rangers to an initial administrative investigation which will inform further administrative and legal actions.
The Managing Director of the FDA, C. Mike Doryen, was emphatic about his quest to ensure that all staff of the FDA are committed to the core mandate of sustainably managing Liberia’s forest. He reemphasized his commitment to robustly implement the FDA’s mandate of sustainably managing Liberia’s rich forest estates and signalled a caveat that any proven misconduct of his staff will be dealt with robustly.
In similar administrative action, the FDA has taken a step to further strengthen its law enforcement activities by recalling the Manager of its Forest Law Enforcement Division, Mr. Isaac Raily.
Mr. Raily was replaced by Mr. Ali Kia, who has a wealth of experience and training in Law Enforcement. The FDA sees this administrative restructuring as critical for increasing the integrity and effectiveness of its Law Enforcement programs.
Meanwhile, the FDA has continued to ensure that companies in the forest sector comply with forestry laws and regulations. The Managing Director reiterated his stance on stern actions against companies operating outside the forestry regulatory framework.
Given this, MD Doryen has authorized the commencement of administrative and legal proceedings against Sing Africa Plantation. Sing Africa Plantation, a logging company operating the Bluyeama Community Forest in Lofa and Gbarpolu Counties, harvested logs outside its concession boundaries and attempted to process them through the forestry Chain of Custody System.