The Forestry Commission has responded to allegations of extortion and harassment levelled against its personnel by traders at the Sokoban Wood Village in the Ashanti Region.
Wood sellers at the village staged a protest on Tuesday over alleged extortion by Forestry Commission officials during the transportation of their products.
The aggrieved traders claimed that despite paying ¢4,000 in export fees to obtain official receipts, they are often compelled to pay additional sums when transporting their wood products to other regions.
In a statement, the Commission said it takes the allegations seriously and has begun processes to investigate the claims and engage stakeholders for a resolution.
It added that a meeting will be held at its headquarters on Friday, July 25, 2025, with all relevant stakeholders.
“The Forestry Commission is investigating the issues raised and has invited members of the Sokoban Wood Village, the executives of the Domestic Lumber Traders Association (DOLTA), and the Domestic Lumber Millers Association of Ghana (DOLMAG), among others,” the statement read.
The Commission noted that it had earlier held discussions with members and leaders of the Sokoban Wood Village on May 12, 2025, during which several concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of all involved.
Following that engagement, a committee was established to oversee the implementation of agreements reached.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the concerns of wood sellers through open consultation and constructive dialogue, grounded in mutual respect and trust.
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Adomonline.com
Read the full statement below:
