Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAC) has strongly condemned the violent invasion and forced closure of three district offices of the Forestry Commission in the Ashanti Region by unidentified men, describing the incident as ‘unfortunate, shameful, and unlawful’. On Monday, July 28, unknown individuals stormed the Bekwai, Offinso South, and Nkawie district offices of the Forestry Commission, locked up the facilities, and disrupted official duties. The group reportedly threatened to take over operations, leaving staff and onlookers in shock and confused. Although the motives behind the action remain unclear, sources indicate the men were demanding employment and expressed grievances related to timber transportation and alleged illegalities within the sector. In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, the GCAC said, “This act is not only an abuse of institutional power but also a grave breach of the rule of law, especially when executed by a security agency tasked with upholding it. It reflects a troubling trend of politically motivated interference in the work of state institutions protecting Ghana’s environment.” The group demanded that individuals who are politically connected and authorised the act be identified and prosecuted The group also called for the arrest, prosecution, and dismissal of all National Security operatives involved, particularly those captured on video. Read below the statement by Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey National Security Unlawful Interference in the Work of the Forestry Commission Must Cease Accra, Tuesday, July 29th, 2025: The attention of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAC), has been drawn to the unfortunate, shameful, and unlawful coordinated attack by agents of the National Security on three (3) offices of the Forestry Commission in the forest district offices of Bekwai, Nkawia, and Offinso. Eyewitnesses’ reports mention more than 15 fully armed National Security agents were involved in the coordinated unlawful act. These actions, breaking doors, harassing staff, and forcefully shutting down operations, were reportedly aimed at intimidating and frustrating the good efforts of Forestry Commission staff involved in combating illegal mining in seven (7) forest reserves. This act is not only an abuse of institutional power but also a grave breach of the rule of law, especially when executed by a security agency tasked with upholding it. It reflects a troubling trend of politically motivated interference in the work of state institutions protecting Ghana’s environment. GCAG, thus, demands swift and decisive action from the President, the Ministers of Lands and Natural Resources and Interior, and the National Security Coordinator to: 1. Identify and prosecute all individuals, especially politically connected persons, who authorised or participated in this unlawful deployment. 2. Arrest, prosecute, and dismiss all National Security operatives involved, particularly those captured on video. 3. Establish an independent committee to investigate this matter and to ensure transparency the implicated Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator should be interdicted. GCAG also condemns the appointment of politically exposed individuals without technical expertise to the Forestry Commission, calling for an end to such political interference that undermines professional efforts to protect Ghana’s forests. The Coalition urges the government to demonstrate its commitment to good governance, institutional integrity, and environmental protection. Ghanaians are losing faith, and failure to act decisively will deepen public mistrust.
National Security Coordinator denies ordering forceful shutdown of Forestry Commission office
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator, John Kwame Jabari, has swiftly denied authorizing any such operation, branding the perpetrators as imposters. Captain (Rtd) Jabari in an interview distanced National Security from the incident, calling it an “illegal takeover” and warning that those responsible will face arrest. “We have not sanctioned any operation targeting the Forestry Commission. These individuals are not acting on behalf of National Security, and we are working with the police to swiftly apprehend them. We’ve identified some of the perpetrators as ‘party boys’ but we can’t watch unconcerned for an illegality to thrive, ” he said. The forced closures have disrupted activities at the affected offices, raising concerns over possible unauthorized seizures or sabotage. Officials from the Forestry Commission have yet to issue an official response, but sources indicate that management is assessing the situation before deciding on the next steps. Captain (Rtd) Jabari has urged the public to report any suspicious persons claiming to represent state security agencies, emphasizing that properly identified officers always carry authorization.