The Forestry Commission has dismissed a recent media report alleging that two of its officers were unfairly interdicted, describing the claims as false, misleading and distorted. In a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs and Media Relations Unit, the Commission said the publication—which appeared in several online outlets—was crafted to tarnish its image and cause public disaffection.

According to the Commission, the confusion stems from a directive issued on April 17, 2025, by the Chief Executive, ordering a temporary freeze on the auction of confiscated lumber and wood products.

The move was intended to address rising reports of collusion between some officers and timber cartels, which allegedly issued documentation to cover illegally harvested lumber and under-invoiced timber products.

The letter, which was circulated to all Regional, Area, and District Managers, instructed that “all confiscated lumber, other wood products and trucks conveying these products… must be deposited at designated Forestry Commission offices,” and emphasised that no auction or release of such items should take place “until further notice”.

Managers were also warned that breaches would attract severe sanctions.

The Commission explained that the directive was part of broader efforts to promote transparency in the domestic timber market and curb illegal logging within forest reserves.

The issue 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) office, checks revealed significant discrepancies.

Investigators found that the lumber—valued officially at GH₵76,650—had been under-invoiced after Mim TIDD staff issued documents covering it at only GH₵25,000. The Commission added that more than 800 pieces of the lumber did not match the dimensions stated in the accompanying paperwork.

Following the report, management determined that professional misconduct had likely occurred. The Chief Executive subsequently instructed the Human Resource Directorate to interdict the officers involved to allow for a full-scale investigation, in line with the Commission’s disciplinary procedures.

A six-member Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Mr Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, is currently probing the matter.

The Commission stressed that contrary to the media report, officers Felix Gatiba and Eric Boamah were not interdicted, noting that both officers had rather helped generate GH₵623,000 in revenue for the institution.

While reaffirming its commitment to accountability and ethical conduct, the Forestry Commission also highlighted its annual End-of-Year Staff Recognition Awards, which reward hardworking staff across its departments.

The Commission urged the public to disregard the misleading publication and rely on verified information from official channels.