Forestry Commission Condemns Violent Attack on Personnel and Timber Checkpoint Facility
The Forestry Commission has strongly condemned a violent attack on its personnel and the destruction of a newly constructed accommodation facility for timber checkpoint staff at Babatokuma near Kintampo in the Bono East Region.
According to the Commission, the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, when an irate mob allegedly stormed the facility, assaulted officers on duty, vandalised the building, and set it on fire.
The accommodation facility had been constructed to house personnel deployed to strengthen the monitoring of timber transportation and help curb the illegal movement of timber and timber products to neighbouring countries.
The Commission stated that preliminary information suggests the attackers claimed the operations of the checkpoint posed a threat to their timber business interests in the area.
Several officers sustained injuries during the attack and were rushed to the Kintampo Government Hospital for medical treatment. The matter has since been reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command for investigation.
The Forestry Commission said it is collaborating with the Police and other security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible, noting that some of the suspects were captured on video during the incident.
Describing the attack as an affront to state authority, the Commission warned that such acts undermine ongoing efforts to protect Ghana’s forest resources. It also expressed concern over what it described as a growing culture of impunity, citing previous attacks on Forestry Commission personnel and facilities.
The Commission further cautioned that persistent disregard for forestry laws and regulations could have serious ecological and socio-economic consequences for the country.
It has therefore appealed to security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, the media, and the general public to support efforts aimed at combating illegal activities within the forestry sector.
The Forestry Commission reiterated its commitment to the protection, development, and sustainable management of Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
