The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) has condemned what it describes as a violent attack on Forestry Commission officers and the destruction of state property at the Babatokuma checkpoint in the Bono East Region.
According to the Institute, the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on June 9, when a group of youth allegedly attacked Forestry Commission personnel who were carrying out their official duties at the checkpoint.
In a statement dated Tuesday, June 16, GIF said the attack resulted in injuries to Forestry Commission staff and damage to government property and equipment assigned to the checkpoint.
“The Ghana Institute of Foresters views this act as barbaric, reckless, and a direct assault on the rule of law, public institutions, and the sustainable management of Ghana’s forest resources,” the statement said.
The Institute noted that the Forestry Commission derives its authority from the Forestry Commission Act, 1999 (Act 571), which mandates it to regulate, manage and develop Ghana’s renewable natural resources.
It explained that the Commission has the legal authority to establish and operate checkpoints across the country to monitor, regulate and control the movement of timber and other forest products.
“Any interference with these operations constitutes an obstruction of lawful public duties and undermines national efforts to combat illegal logging, timber trafficking, and forest degradation,” the statement added.
GIF also referred to a viral video circulating on social media in which an individual believed to be the leader of the group alleged that the checkpoint’s operations were negatively affecting their timber business by causing delays and facilitating extortion by some officials.
While acknowledging the right of citizens and businesses to seek redress over grievances, the Institute stressed that such concerns must be addressed through lawful channels.
“Under no circumstance can allegations, whether substantiated or otherwise, justify violence, assault, destruction of public property, and obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their lawful duties,” it stated.
According to GIF, individuals with concerns about checkpoint operations should engage the management of the Forestry Commission, petition its Chief Executive Officer, or pursue other lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms.
The Institute said the matter has been reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command for investigation and commended the Ghana Police Service for its intervention.
“Given the availability of video evidence circulating widely on social media, GIF expects that all individuals involved will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” the statement said.
The Institute further expressed concern over what it described as recurring attacks and acts of intimidation against Forestry Commission personnel in various parts of the country, including Mankranso, Tepa, Nkawie and Bekwai.
It warned that the recurrence of such incidents could weaken enforcement of forestry laws, undermine Ghana’s forest governance framework and affect the country’s international commitments on sustainable forest management and responsible timber trade.
Despite the incident, GIF urged Forestry Commission staff across the country to remain professional and committed to their responsibilities.
The Institute also extended its sympathies to the officers who sustained injuries during the attack and wished them a speedy recovery.
It further called on traditional authorities, political leaders, civil society organisations, industry players and the general public to condemn the incident and support efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect public institutions responsible for managing the country’s natural resources.
