The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has strongly condemned the forceful shutdown of the Bekwai District Office of the Forestry Commission, describing the act as both “brazen and unlawful.” The closure was carried out by a group of armed individuals falsely posing as National Security operatives.
In a statement released via Facebook, the Minister called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, emphasizing that such lawless acts endanger public peace and undermine institutional integrity.
“These acts of lawlessness should not be allowed to fester. We must preserve public peace and the credibility of our institutions,” he asserted. “This must serve as a strong deterrent to other unscrupulous persons who may harbour similar intentions.”
According to multiple reports, over fifteen men, dressed in black and reportedly armed, stormed the Bekwai Forestry Commission office on Monday, locking the premises and halting operations. The group claimed they were acting on “orders from above.”
Sources suggest the move was retaliation against the Forestry Commission’s recent clampdown on illegal mining — also known as galamsey — within the Oda River Forest Reserve, which is managed by the Bekwai office.
Reacting swiftly, the National Security Secretariat disowned the operation, stating that the alleged security operatives were neither authorized nor recognized. In a strongly worded response, the National Security Coordinator confirmed that the unauthorized raid did not receive official sanction and directed that the suspects be arrested.
The Bekwai Police later reopened the Forestry Commission office and escorted the impersonators to the Municipal Chief Executive’s office for interrogation.
This alarming incident has once again spotlighted the risks faced by Forestry Commission staff and law enforcement officers involved in the fight against illegal mining, one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental crises.
source: myjoyonline
