Environmental advocacy organisation A Rocha Ghana has called for a swift investigation into an attack on Forestry Commission personnel and the destruction of state property at Babatokuma in the Kintampo District of the Bono East Region.
The group condemned the incident, which occurred on June 9, describing it as a violent act that endangered lives and damaged public property.
In a statement, A Rocha Ghana said the attack highlighted a troubling pattern of threats, intimidation, and violence against frontline personnel tasked with protecting the country’s forests, wildlife, and other natural resources.
“The attack could easily have led to the loss of lives,” the organisation said, adding that such actions undermine the rule of law and national efforts to safeguard the environment.
According to A Rocha, Forestry Commission personnel, community monitors, and other conservation actors often work under difficult conditions and increasingly face violence while carrying out their lawful duties.
The organisation expressed concern that many previous attacks on environmental protection officers had not resulted in visible accountability, warning that a lack of justice could embolden perpetrators and weaken the enforcement of environmental laws.
It said the continued targeting of frontline officers threatens efforts to combat illegal logging, illegal mining, wildlife crime, and other environmental offences that endanger Ghana’s biodiversity and ecological security.
A Rocha called on the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into the Babatokuma incident and prosecute those responsible.
The organisation also urged the government to strengthen security measures for Forestry Commission personnel and other individuals involved in protecting Ghana’s natural resources, particularly in high-risk areas.
It further called for greater transparency in the handling of the case, including regular public updates on investigations and prosecutions, as well as enhanced collaboration among state institutions to tackle environmental crimes.
A Rocha said protecting Ghana’s forests requires not only sound policies but also the safety of the people entrusted with enforcing environmental laws.
“The protection of Ghana’s forests depends not only on sound policies but also on the courage and safety of the people entrusted with enforcing them,” the statement said.
The organisation urged all Ghanaians to reject violence and support efforts to protect the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
