The Volta Regional branch of Domestic Lumber Traders Association has expressed displeasure about what they term as “unfair treatment” by some officers of the Forestry Commission in Accra.

They alleged that within the past three years, a syndicate which operates from the Headquarters of the Commission has been confiscating their legally acquired consignments at the detriment of their businesses.

The Association, led by its Chairman, Samuel Agbeko Sakabutu expressed their grievances when they placed a distress call on the office of the Volta Regional Minister to inform him about their plight. Elorm Aryee has sent this report.

The Volta Regional branch of Domestic Lumber Traders Association stated that some personnel of the Forestry Commission and military officers occasionally confiscate their products even when they produce legal documents.

Chairman of the Association, Samuel Agbeko Sakabutu complained that most members have reported such cases within the past three years with the latest occurring on last Friday. He said the consignment and the truck are usually guarded to the office of the Forestry Commission in Achimota where the woods are taken without justification.

He, however, stated that several appeals to the appropriate quarters to deal with the issue have not yielded positive results.

Narrating August 30 incident to the media, the Driver of the truck, Lawrence Klu said around midnight that day, an officer of the Commission with three military officers attacked them on the Ho-Aflao road whiles on their way to Denu in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region.

He said despite showing them a receipt and conveyance document issued by the Forestry Commission’s office in Ho, they confiscated the truck and their phones to prevent them from any form of communication.

Mr Klu stated that the truck broke down in Ho whiles being guarded to Accra prompting the Officer of the Commission and the three military officers to bolt realizing that they cannot reach their destination.

A member of the Association, Stephen Agbove who owns the consignment said several appeals to the Forestry Commission to address their plight has not been fruitful.

The Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Johnson Avuletey assured members of the Association of the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to addressing their grievances.