Jirapa Traditional Council Imposes Ban on Premature Fruit Harvesting, Tree Felling, and Uncontrolled Bush Burning

The Jirapa Traditional Council has announced an immediate ban on the premature harvesting of commercial fruits, indiscriminate tree felling for charcoal production, and uncontrolled bush burning within the Jirapa Traditional Area.

The directive, issued under the authority of the Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area and President of the Jirapa Traditional Council, Naa Dinaa Donglabong Ganaa III, is aimed at protecting the environment, preserving cultural values, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.

According to the press release, the ban prohibits the premature harvesting of all commercial and economic fruits, including dawadawa, until the official lifting of the restriction during the Bong-ngo Festival. The Council explained that the measure is necessary to safeguard food security and protect economic tree resources.

The statement further places a strict prohibition on the indiscriminate cutting down of commercial and economic trees for charcoal production or any other purpose. While proper pruning to improve yield and sustainability is permitted, the Council emphasized that commercial trees must not be completely felled.

In addition, the Traditional Council has directed that bush burning must be controlled and limited. It warned that uncontrolled or excessive bush burning that threatens farmlands, grazing areas, and forest resources will not be tolerated.

The directives apply to all persons without exception, including chiefs, tendaama, farm owners, widows, widowers, orphans, cattle owners, herders, residents, and non-residents within the traditional area.

The Council cautioned that anyone found violating any aspect of the directives will face severe sanctions in accordance with customary laws and the authority of the Traditional Council.

The Jirapa Traditional Council has therefore called on the full cooperation of community members and urged the public to report offenders to the nearest recognized traditional authority to ensure effective enforcement of the measures.