The Forestry Commission has dismissed recent media reports alleging that two of its officers were unfairly interdicted, describing the publications as false, misleading, and deliberately distorted.
In a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs and Media Relations Unit, the Commission said the reports, circulated by several online outlets, were designed to damage its reputation and create public disaffection.
The confusion, the Commission explained, stems from a directive issued on April 17, 2025, by the Chief Executive, temporarily suspending all auctions involving confiscated lumber and wood products. The directive was introduced following reports of collusion between some officers and timber cartels allegedly issuing documents to cover illegally harvested and under-invoiced timber.
The circular, sent to all Regional, Area, and District Managers, instructed that all confiscated lumber, wood products, and trucks conveying such items be deposited at designated Forestry Commission offices, with a strict ban on auctions or releases “until further notice.” Managers were warned that any breach would attract severe sanctions.
The measure was part of wider efforts to promote transparency in the domestic timber market and clamp down on illegal logging within forest reserves.
The matter resurfaced on October 29, 2025, when a truck carrying 3,026 pieces of sawn lumber was intercepted at the Techimantia Checkpoint by the National Timber Monitoring Team. Although the consignment was reportedly auctioned by the Mim Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), checks revealed discrepancies. The lumber, valued at GH₵76,650, had documents covering only GH₵25,000, and over 800 pieces did not match the stated dimensions.
Following these findings, management deemed professional misconduct likely. The Chief Executive instructed the Human Resource Directorate to interdict the officers involved to allow a full investigation, conducted by a six-member Committee of Inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Executive Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim.
The Commission clarified that officers Felix Gatiba and Eric Boamah were not interdicted. On the contrary, both contributed to generating GH₵623,000 in revenue for the institution.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability and ethical conduct, the Forestry Commission highlighted its annual End-of-Year Staff Recognition Awards, which celebrate outstanding staff performance.
The Commission urged the public to disregard misleading reports and rely on verified information from official channels.
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