Hundreds of shea trees have been cut down in Tinga in the Bole - Bamboi District of the newly created Savanna region. The cut trees are to be used to make charcoal for domestic consumption as the charcoal burners claim the shea tree is preferable because its charcoal lasts longer. The Savanna region in recent times has been hit by massive logging of not just shea trees but also rosewood.  The cultivation of shea trees and its products is an important source of livelihood for several women and the youth in the area. The shea tree is used for soap making, butter, medicine and also serves as food for many people especially those living in rural areas. Even though the shea tree has several commercial value it has been under attack by charcoal burners in recent times. The Savana Regional Minister upon assumption of office set up a committee to investigate illegal activities of rosewood and also charcoal burners. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the Northern Development Summit announced plans by government to establish Tree Crop Development Authority that will supervise the production of cash crops. He believed it would make it more attractive for people to be able to produce and generate income. Some of the crops to be considered included shea, cashew, dawadawa and among many others.  However, the rate at which these commercial trees are been destroyed, it is threatening the existence of vegetation in the north. Some residents of Tinja who accosted a chainsaw operator recently, accused some commercial charcoal sellers of paying huge sums of money to some indigenes to destroy the trees.  The chainsaw operator admitted  he was hired along with other to cut some of these trees.  The community members have seized the logs. Programme Coordinator of Jaksally Development Organization, an NGO which supports women in the shared business in the Savana region, Seidu Jeremiah, said several women have already started bearing the brunt and are complaining of the dwindling pick which is affecting their incomes and livelihood. He said this is happening because of the failure of traditional authorities in Gonjaland to support the fight against shea tree and rosewood destruction.  Mr Jeremiah said women especially widows that have been excluded from society and are largely dependent on shea for survival. He urged the traditional authorities to be concern about the way the environment is been endangered and how the livelihood vulnerable people are been destroyed.  Programme Coordinator also appealed to the various DCEs, Regional Coordinating Council and Savannah Regional Minister to step in because the situation is getting out of hand.