Accra, Ghana — The Ghana Timber Millers Organisation (GTMO) has strongly condemned the vandalisation of a Forestry Commission (FC) Timber Monitoring Checkpoint at Babatokuma in the Bono East Region, describing the incident as a criminal act that threatens efforts to combat illegal logging and timber trade in the country.
The attack, which occurred on June 9, 2026, resulted in the destruction of state property and injuries to Forestry Commission personnel who were on duty at the checkpoint.
In a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of GTMO, Dr. Kwame Asamoah Adam, on behalf of the organisation’s president, GTMO expressed shock and disappointment that individuals associated with the timber trade would resort to violence over allegations that checkpoint operations were affecting their business activities.
“The reasons advanced for the destruction of the facility and the injuries inflicted on Forestry Commission staff constitute criminal offences, and the perpetrators must be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” the statement said.
According to GTMO, the actions of the attackers represent a blatant disregard for Ghana’s laws and the regulatory framework governing the timber industry.
The organisation emphasized that timber production and trade in Ghana operate within clearly established legal and policy guidelines, with laid-down procedures available for addressing grievances and disputes.
“There are legitimate channels for seeking redress in the timber sector. The industry does not operate under jungle law, and no grievance can justify the destruction of public property or attacks on public servants performing their lawful duties,” the statement noted.
GTMO highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the Forestry Commission and timber trade associations to combat illegal logging and strengthen compliance within the forestry sector.
One of the key interventions, it said, has been the expansion of timber tracking and monitoring systems through the establishment of checkpoints where transporters are required to present documentation verifying the legality and origin of timber products.
The organisation noted that legal operators have consistently received training and sensitisation on compliance requirements and documentation procedures necessary for conducting business within the sector.
“Operators who provide the required documentation are cleared to proceed to their destination markets. These procedures are well known within the industry,” GTMO stated.
While acknowledging that delays occasionally occur at checkpoints due to bureaucratic and logistical challenges, the organisation stressed that such inconveniences could never justify acts of violence.
GTMO revealed that when the expanded timber monitoring programme was introduced, it also had concerns regarding aspects of its implementation but chose to engage the relevant authorities through dialogue and established business channels.
“No serious business operator who seeks to run a sustainable enterprise would attempt to resolve concerns through the actions witnessed at Babatokuma,” the statement added.
The organisation further expressed support for the Forestry Commission’s intensified efforts to curb illegal logging and timber trafficking, warning that the growing illegal timber trade poses significant environmental, economic and national security risks.
According to GTMO, Ghana’s timber harvesting regulatory framework is widely regarded as one of the most robust in the tropical world. However, illegal operators continue to undermine the system through unlawful harvesting activities, particularly in the Bono, Ahafo and Western Regions.
The statement noted that illegally harvested timber is often processed in unregistered mills before being smuggled into legitimate supply chains, thereby contaminating markets and fueling further forest destruction.
GTMO also cited reports indicating that large volumes of illegal lumber are transported through the Techiman-Tamale-Bolgatanga-Paga corridor into Sahelian countries, prompting the Forestry Commission to implement stricter monitoring measures in the affected areas.
The organisation called on stakeholders, including forest-fringe communities, the National House of Chiefs, environmental organisations, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of the Interior, timber consumers and other relevant institutions, to support efforts aimed at tackling illegal timber exploitation and trade.
“The development has become a national security issue that requires urgent attention and decisive action,” GTMO warned.
The organisation cautioned that failure to effectively address illegal logging could lead to the collapse of legitimate timber businesses, resulting in significant job losses and reduced foreign exchange earnings for the country.
GTMO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders in protecting Ghana’s forests and ensuring the sustainability of the country’s timber industry.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
