19th November, 2025 — The attention of the Forestry Commission has been drawn to a publication circulating in the Supreme Newspaper and on various online platforms, including opr.news, newsghana.com.gh, dailyviewgh.com, peacefmonline.com and mydailynewsonline.com, alleging that two staff members were interdicted after generating ȼ623,000 for the Commission.
The Forestry Commission wishes to state unequivocally that the claims in these publications are false, misleading and deliberately distorted. They are aimed at tarnishing the image of the Commission and creating public disaffection. The facts are as follows:
On 17th April 2025, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission issued a directive titled “Temporary Freeze on the Auction of Confiscated Lumber and Other Wood Products.” This directive was introduced to curb widespread reports of collusion between some officers and illegal timber cartels involving the processing, documentation, and transportation of illegally sourced timber, including cases of gross under-invoicing.
The directive instructed that all confiscated lumber, wood products and trucks conveying them be deposited at designated Forestry Commission offices, with a strict ban on auctions or releases until further notice. Regional, Area and District Managers were held responsible for the secure custody of all such items. The directive also warned of severe sanctions for any breach. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, relevant directors, and key unit heads were all duly copied.
On 29th October 2025, the Techimantia Checkpoint intercepted a truck (AS 3990-25) carrying 3,026 pieces of sawn lumber purportedly auctioned by the Mim TIDD office. Upon inspection, the lumber was found to be under-invoiced. Although the official value of the lumber was ȼ76,650.00 based on standard rates, the accompanying documents issued by Mim TIDD staff reflected only ȼ25,000. Additionally, more than 800 pieces had dimensions inconsistent with what was stated on the documents.
Management, after reviewing the report, identified evidence of professional misconduct. Consequently, in accordance with the Commission’s disciplinary procedures, the Chief Executive directed that the officers involved be interdicted to allow a full-scale investigation.
A six-member Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Executive Mr. Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, is currently conducting the investigation.
For the avoidance of doubt, Felix Gatiba and Eric Boamah were not interdicted because they generated ȼ623,000 for the Commission. Their interdiction is strictly related to the discrepancies, under-invoicing, and procedural breaches identified in the intercepted consignment.
The Forestry Commission values the dedication of its staff and continues to recognise outstanding performance through its annual End-of-Year Staff Recognition Awards.
paqmediagh.com/Peter Quao Adattor
