A five-member Timber Allocation Audit Technical Committee has been inaugurated at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to review timber allocations made between 2017 to 2025.

The committee, chaired by Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Honourable Yusif Sulemana, has been directed to begin work immediately amid rising concerns over how forest resources have been distributed in recent years.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Chief Director, Mr. Innocent Marcus Haligah stressed the importance of the exercise, describing it as both urgent and necessary to protect a key national asset. 

“This exercise is both timely and necessary. Our forest resources remain a critical national asset, and they must be managed in a transparent and accountable manner,” he said.

The committee has been tasked to carry out a comprehensive and impartial audit, focusing on compliance with legal frameworks, identifying irregularities, and reviewing accountability processes within the Forestry Commission.

The Chairman, Hon. Yusif Sulemana assured the Ministry that the team would deliver on its mandate, highlighting the experience and integrity of its members. 

He also called for cooperation from the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders, noting that access to information would be key to their work. 

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