Forestry Commission Rebuts Reports of Staff Interdiction Over GHC623,000 Revenue Issue
The Forestry Commission has strongly refuted media reports suggesting that two of its staff were interdicted for allegedly generating revenue amounting to GHC623,000 for the Commission. The claims, published by the Supreme Newspaper and circulated across several online platforms including opr.news, newsghana.com.gh, dailyviewgh.com, peacefmonline.com and mydailynews.com, have been described as false, misleading and distorted.
In an official rejoinder issued by the Corporate Affairs & Media Relations Unit, the Commission stated that the publications sought to tarnish its reputation and incite public disaffection. It clarified the circumstances leading to the interdiction of the officers mentioned.
According to the Commission, on 17 April 2025, a directive was issued by the Chief Executive placing a temporary freeze on the auction of confiscated lumber and other wood products. The policy required that all seized timber and vehicles transporting them be deposited at designated Forestry Commission offices and barred any auction or release of such materials until further notice.
The letter, aimed at tightening oversight and promoting transparency in timber regulation, warned that any breach of the directive would attract severe sanctions. Key stakeholders—including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, RMSC, TVD, and the National Timber Monitoring Team—were copied in the directive.
Interception at Techimantia Checkpoint
On 29 October 2025, the National Timber Monitoring Team at the Techimantia Checkpoint intercepted a truck (registration number AS 3990-25) carrying sawn lumber allegedly auctioned by the Mim TIDD office and destined for Garu in the Upper East Region.
A detailed inspection found 3,026 pieces of lumber valued at GHC76,650 according to the Commission’s standard rates. However, the accompanying invoice issued by Mim TIDD staff stated a value of only GHC25,000, indicating significant under-invoicing.
Additionally, over 800 pieces on the truck had dimensions that did not match the documentation provided.
Management determined that the discrepancies constituted professional misconduct, prompting the Chief Executive to direct the Human Resource Directorate to interdict the officers involved to allow for full investigations.
Committee of Inquiry Established
A six-member Committee of Inquiry, led by Mr. Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, has been established and is currently investigating the matter.
The Forestry Commission emphasized that the interdiction had nothing to do with the alleged generation of GHC623,000, countering the claims made in the media reports. It further reaffirmed its commitment to rewarding hard-working staff through its annual Staff Recognition Awards.
The Commission urged the public to disregard the misleading publications and rely on verified information from official sources.
