The Forestry Commission has denounced the violent closure of its district offices in Bekwai, Nkawie, and Offinso by a group of armed, masked individuals falsely claiming to be National Security operatives.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, July 28, saw around 20 heavily armed men storm the offices, forcibly locking them with their own padlocks and taking away the keys. In an official statement, the Commission described the act as a “blatant act of intimidation” and a direct assault on its constitutional mandate to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
According to the Commission, the Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator, Captain (Rtd.) Kwame Jabari, has distanced his office from the incident. He confirmed that those involved were not affiliated with the National Security setup and identified them as impostors.
The Commission has called on the relevant security agencies to swiftly investigate the matter, apprehend those responsible, and determine whether the attack is connected to recent enforcement operations targeting illegal mining in the Oda Forest Reserve.
Additionally, the Commission is urging the Ghana Police Service to provide security for its offices and operational checkpoints across the Ashanti Region. It assured staff of their safety and encouraged them to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and intensifying the fight against illegal mining, the Forestry Commission also appealed to the public to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activities near its facilities.
Read the full statement below:
