Timothy Ngnenbe
The Forestry Commission has condemned the vandalisation of its newly constructed accommodation for timber checkpoint personnel at Babatokuma in the Kintampo Forest District in the Bono Region.
A statement dated June 10, 2026, issued by the Corporate Affairs directorate of the Commission explained that an irate mob attacked and vandalised the facility last Tuesday (June 9).
The Commission explained that its field personnel had been stationed at the facility to strengthen the monitoring of the overland movement of timber products, a measure meant to curb the illegal transportation of timber and timber products into neighbouring countries.
“Information available indicates that, the mob attacked and assaulted personnel on duty, claiming that their operations posed a threat to their timber business interest in the area.
“In the process, they forcibly entered the facility, vandalised and burnt down the structure,” the Commission stated.
The press statement added that the affected personnel were taken to the Kintampo Government Hospital for medical care, and the incident had been reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command.
It added tgat the Forestry Commission was collaborating with the Police and other relevant security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the act, who were captured on video, were identified, arrested, and made to face the full rigours of the law.
“This attack is not only an assault on the Forestry Commission but also an affront to State authority and a direct attempt to undermine efforts to safeguard the forest resources of the nation.,” the Commission stressed.
The Commission added that the unfortunate incident brings to the fore a worrying trend of impunity among sections of the public, considering that in the past similar incidences of brutal attacks on personnel and offices of the Forestry Commission have occurred.
“We wish to underscore the fact that, the increasing disregard for forest laws and regulations has dire consequences for our nation if left unchecked. Ghana risks losing its forest resources, with its attendant negative ecological and socio-economic consequences,” the Commission said.
Source: graphic.com.gh