The Forestry Commission (FC) has condemned the destruction of a newly constructed accommodation facility for timber checkpoint personnel at Babatokuma in the Kintampo Forest District after it was attacked and set ablaze by an irate mob.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., according to a statement issued by the Commission.
The facility had been established to house Forestry Commission personnel deployed to strengthen monitoring of the overland movement of timber products and help curb the illegal transportation of timber and timber products to neighbouring countries.
According to the Commission, the attackers claimed that the operations of the checkpoint posed a threat to their timber business interests in the area.
The mob reportedly assaulted officers on duty before forcibly entering the premises, vandalising the facility and setting it on fire.
Personnel injured during the attack were transported to the Kintampo Government Hospital for treatment.
The matter has since been reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command, while investigations are underway.
Police hunt for suspects
The Forestry Commission said it was collaborating with the Police and other security agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators, some of whom were captured on video during the attack.
“The Forestry Commission is collaborating with the Police and other relevant security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators who have been captured on video are duly identified, arrested, and made to face the full rigours of the law,” the statement said.
Threat to state authority
The Commission described the attack as more than an assault on its personnel, stressing that it represented a direct challenge to state authority and efforts to protect Ghana’s forest resources.
It noted that the incident highlighted a worrying trend of impunity within the forestry sector, citing previous attacks on Forestry Commission personnel and offices in different parts of the country.
“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 statement said.
Concern over illegal logging
The Commission warned that the growing disregard for forestry laws and regulations posed a serious threat to the country’s forest resources and environmental sustainability.
It cautioned that failure to address illegal logging and timber smuggling could result in significant ecological and socio-economic consequences for the nation.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to enforcing forest laws and protecting Ghana’s natural resources despite increasing resistance from individuals involved in illegal activities.
Call for support
The Forestry Commission strongly condemned the attack and destruction of state property and called on all stakeholders to support efforts to tackle lawlessness in the sector.
It appealed to security agencies, traditional authorities, the media, civil society organisations and the general public to assist in combating the growing impunity that threatens the country’s forests.
The Commission stressed that protecting Ghana’s forests was a shared national responsibility and urged citizens to support measures aimed at preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
