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 investige 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.
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