Two forest guards have been shot by poachers in the greater Accra and Ashanti regions.
The victims were among a group of forest guards on patrol duties in the Bofobiri and Shai reserves when the poachers shot at them.
Chief executive officer for the forestry commission, John Allotey disclosed these at the end of year media briefing in Accra.
The forestry commission is mandated to regulate the utilization of forest and wildlife resources, the conservation and management of these resources and the coordination of policies related to them.
Among these mandates is the call to create, protect and manage the permanent forest estates and protected areas in the various ecological zones of the country to conserve Ghana’s biophysical heritage.
It is also to prepare and implement integrated forest and wildlife management plans for the maintenance of the environment to the benefit of all segments of society.
And above all to regulate the harvesting of timber, wildlife and other non-timber forest products.
However, officials assigned to ensure the realization of these mandates often become the target of criminals.
The latest is the shooting of two forest and wildlife guards in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions.
They were on routine duties around the Bofobiri and Shai reserves when the poachers opened fire on them.
The CEO of the forestry commission, John Allotey regretted the situation.
He also spoke about efforts to protect the forest guards.
The media briefing was to account for the commission’s stewardship within year and seek more partnership for the coming year.
