The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in a violent attack on Forestry Commission officers at the Babatokuma checkpoint in the Bono East Region.
The incident occurred on June 9, 2026, when a group of youths allegedly stormed the checkpoint, setting fire to a newly constructed accommodation facility and destroying equipment used by forestry personnel.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr Abukari Nantogmah Attah, the Institute described the incident as a serious assault on public institutions and forest governance.
The accommodation facility had been constructed to house officers tasked with monitoring timber transportation and preventing the illegal movement of timber and timber products across borders.
“The attack was barbaric, reckless, and a direct assault on the rule of law, public institutions and the sustainable management of forest resources,” the statement said.
The Institute also addressed a viral social media video in which an individual believed to be linked to the attack alleged that Forestry Commission officers were engaging in extortion at the checkpoint.
While acknowledging the right of citizens to raise concerns about public officials, GIF stressed that grievances must be addressed through lawful channels.
“Under no circumstance can allegations, whether substantiated or otherwise, justify violence, assault, destruction of public property and obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their lawful duties,” the statement noted.
According to the Institute, any complaints regarding the operations of the checkpoint should have been reported through established administrative and legal procedures.
The matter has been reported to the Kintampo Divisional Police Command for investigation.
The Institute is urging law enforcement authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in the attack.
GIF said accountability is necessary to deter future acts of violence against forestry personnel and state institutions.
The Institute expressed concern about what it described as a growing trend of attacks on forestry officers across the country.
It cited similar incidents in Mankranso, Tepa, Nkawie and Bekwai, warning that repeated attacks are creating a culture of impunity that threatens effective forest governance.
According to GIF, continued attacks on forestry personnel could undermine Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal logging and weaken enforcement of forestry laws.
The Institute further warned that such incidents could damage Ghana’s reputation in international timber markets.
It noted that compliance with legality verification systems and sustainability standards is essential to maintaining access to key export markets.
GIF said any perception of weak law enforcement could have economic consequences for Ghana’s timber sector and affect the country’s international commitments on sustainable forest management.
Despite the challenges, the Institute encouraged forestry officers across the country to remain professional and committed to their duties.
It also called on traditional authorities, political leaders, civil society organisations and industry stakeholders to publicly condemn the attack and support efforts to protect forestry personnel.
