Forestry Commission condemns attack on timber checkpoint staff

The Forestry Commission of Ghana has strongly condemned the violent attack on its personnel and the destruction of a newly constructed timber checkpoint accommodation facility at Babatokuma in the Kintampo Forest District.

According to the Commission, the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., when an angry mob allegedly stormed the checkpoint facility, assaulted officers on duty, and set the building ablaze.

The Forestry Commission stated that the accommodation facility had recently been established to support personnel deployed to monitor the overland transportation of timber products and strengthen efforts to combat illegal timber trade and cross-border smuggling activities.

Officials explained that the checkpoint forms part of broader measures aimed at preventing the unlawful transportation of timber and timber products from Ghana into neighbouring countries.

Preliminary information gathered by the Commission indicates that the attackers claimed the checkpoint’s operations were negatively affecting their timber business interests in the area.

The mob reportedly forced its way into the facility, vandalised property, and subsequently burnt down the structure after attacking Forestry Commission personnel stationed there.

The injured officers were rushed to the Kintampo Government Hospital for medical treatment, while the matter was immediately reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command for investigation.

In a statement, the Forestry Commission described the incident as a serious attack on state institutions and a direct challenge to ongoing efforts to protect Ghana’s forest resources.

“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 Commission stated.

The Commission further expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of lawlessness and impunity directed at forestry officers and facilities across the country.

According to the statement, the latest attack mirrors previous incidents in which Forestry Commission personnel and offices have been subjected to violence, intimidation, and destruction of property while carrying out their lawful duties.

The Commission warned that increasing disregard for forestry laws and regulations poses significant risks to Ghana’s environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation efforts, and long-term management of forest resources.

Authorities disclosed that video footage of the incident has been obtained and is being reviewed to assist in identifying individuals involved in the attack.

The Forestry Commission said it is working closely with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to ensure that all suspects captured in the footage are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

Officials stressed that perpetrators would be made to face the full force of the law and that attacks on public officers carrying out their statutory responsibilities would not be tolerated.

The Commission also called on traditional authorities, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, and members of the public to support efforts aimed at addressing illegal logging, timber smuggling, and the growing culture of impunity within the forestry sector.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that illegal timber harvesting and trafficking continue to threaten Ghana’s forests, contributing to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

Despite the setback, the Forestry Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and sustainably managing Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Commission assured the public that it would continue enforcing forestry regulations and strengthening monitoring operations across the country despite the challenges posed by illegal operators.