The Forestry Commission has condemned a violent attack by an irate mob that left several officers injured and a newly built timber checkpoint facility destroyed at Babatokuma near Kintampo in the Bono East Region.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 9, around 3:30 p.m., when the group stormed the accommodation facility constructed to house personnel tasked with monitoring timber transportation and curbing illegal timber trade to neighbouring countries. According to the Commission, the attackers assaulted officers on duty, vandalised the building and set it ablaze.
The injured officers were treated at the Kintampo Government Hospital, and the case has been reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command. The Commission said some of the perpetrators were captured on video and efforts are underway, in collaboration with security agencies, to identify and arrest those responsible.
Preliminary information suggests the mob claimed the checkpoint’s operations threatened their timber business interests.
Describing the attack as an affront to state authority, the Forestry Commission warned that such acts undermine efforts to safeguard Ghana’s forest resources. It also expressed concern over what it termed a growing culture of impunity, citing similar past attacks on its personnel.
The Commission has called on security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the public to support the fight against illegal activities in the forestry sector, reaffirming its commitment to the sustainable management of Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources.