The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has condemned the violent takeover of the Bekwai District Office of the Forestry Commission by a group of armed men claiming to be National Security operatives.
In a Facebook statement on Monday, July 28, the Minister described the attack as “brazen and unlawful” and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“These acts of lawlessness should not be allowed to fester. We must preserve public peace and the credibility of our institutions. This must serve as a strong deterrent to other unscrupulous persons who may harbour similar intentions,” Mr. Buah stated.
According to reports, more than 15 men dressed in black and carrying weapons stormed the Bekwai Forestry Commission office on Monday morning, forcibly locking the premises and preventing staff from working. The group allegedly claimed they were acting on “orders from above.”
Sources suggest the attack was in retaliation for the Forestry Commission’s recent crackdown on illegal mining activities within the Oda River Forest Reserve, which falls under the Bekwai office’s jurisdiction.
The National Security Secretariat has since distanced itself from the group, describing the operation as unauthorised and confirming that the men involved are not recognised operatives.
“National Security does not condone such illegal actions,” the Secretariat said, adding that directives have been issued for the arrest of the suspects.
The Bekwai Police later intervened, reopening the office and escorting the impostors to the Municipal Chief Executive’s office for questioning.
The incident has renewed concerns about threats faced by Forestry Commission officials engaged in anti-galamsey enforcement operations.
Source: TheDotNews