The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF), the statutory body entrusted with preserving professionalism in Ghana’s forestry sector, has issued a forceful press release condemning the alleged armed invasion of Forestry Commission District Offices by operatives purportedly from National Security on 28th July, 2025.

GIF reports that these armed individuals forcefully entered offices in Nkawie, Bekwai and Offinso, disrupting official duties, intimidating staff, and unlawfully accessing sensitive files and equipment.

At Offinso, they even demanded keys to the registry and official vehicles. Earlier incidents in Tepa and Goaso included overnight seizures of lumber-loaded trucks from Forestry Commission premises by armed personnel.

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Describing the incursions as “unlawful and barbaric,” the GIF criticised the raids as an affront to public service, Ghana’s democratic principles, and the institutional integrity of the Forestry Commission.

According to a press statement issued on July 29, the Forestry Commission, established under Act 571 (1999), is legally mandated to regulate and manage Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources including land use control in forest reserves and supervision of forest operations under both national and international regulations.

GIF emphasised that the Commission is not subordinate to any security agency, and that no such agency has the right to conduct unilateral operations without due legal process.

The GIF has posed several key questions demanding answers: who authorised these armed operations, and what sanctions will be imposed on the individuals captured in video and photographic evidence? GIF characterised the raids as a direct attempt to intimidate legitimate forestry personnel and undermine the Commission’s authority.

The context of these events is heightened by ongoing concerns about illegal and what the GIF terms “legalised illegal” mining within forest reserves, often conducted without proper consent from the Forestry Commission or Environmental Protection Agency.

GIF criticised the government’s partial amendment of Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462, enacted after the 2024 elections, saying it contravenes the Commission’s core values and Ghana’s forest protection laws.

Emphasising that Ghana reserves are national heritage, GIF asserts that such developments should not be normalised under the guise of national security.

GIF’s demands include:

• A full investigation by the police and security agencies into the unauthorised operations, with perpetrators held accountable.
• Follow‑through from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure investigations are completed and action taken to restore confidence among forestry staff.
• Collaboration between the Forestry Commission and security agencies to ensure the protection of staff and prosecution of those responsible.

GIF reaffirmed the country's commitment to rule of law and institutional integrity.

“Ghana is not a lawless nation. We should not watch on while public officers are harassed, and our laws trampled on by faceless individuals. Enough is enough,” the statement read.