The Forestry Commission has dismissed reports claiming that two staff members were interdicted after generating GH₵623,000 for the institution. According to the Commission, the publications circulating in the Supreme Newspaper and on various online portals are “false, misleading and deliberately distorted.”
“The Forestry Commission wishes to state unequivocally that the claims in these publications are untrue. They are aimed at tarnishing the image of the Commission and creating public disaffection.”
The Commission explained that the interdiction of the officers has nothing to do with revenue mobilisation. Rather, it stems from breaches of a directive issued on 17th April 2025 by the Chief Executive, titled “Temporary Freeze on the Auction of Confiscated Lumber and Other Wood Products.” The directive was issued to address widespread reports of collusion between some officers and illegal timber cartels, including allegations of gross under-invoicing.
“This directive prohibited all auctions or releases of confiscated lumber and wood products and instructed that such items be deposited at designated Forestry Commission offices. Regional, Area and District Managers were held responsible for the safe custody of all items, with severe sanctions for any breach.”
On 29th October 2025, the Techimantia Checkpoint intercepted a truck carrying 3,026 pieces of sawn lumber purportedly auctioned by the Mim TIDD office. Upon inspection, the lumber was found to be under-invoiced.
“The actual value of the lumber was ȼ76,650.00, yet the documents issued by Mim TIDD staff quoted only ȼ25,000,” the Commission revealed.
It added that over 800 pieces had dimensions that did not match what was stated on the documents.
Management reviewed the report and found evidence of professional misconduct.
“Consequently, the officers involved were interdicted in line with the Commission’s disciplinary procedures to allow for a full-scale investigation,” the statement clarified.
A six-member Committee of Inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, is currently investigating the matter.
The Commission stressed that “Felix Gatiba and Eric Boamah were not interdicted because they generated ȼ623,000 for the Commission,” but because of the “discrepancies, under-invoicing and procedural breaches identified in the intercepted consignment.”
The statement added that the Forestry Commission continues to value staff dedication.
“The Commission recognises outstanding performance through its annual End-of-Year Staff Recognition Awards,” it said.
By: Peter Quao Addator/Starrfm.com.gh
