National Security Operatives Allegedly Storm Forestry Commission to Demand Office Closure

Over 15 heavily armed men believed to be National Security operatives stormed and shut down the Forestry Commission’s Ashanti Regional office on Wednesday morning in a dramatic operation that left staff and the public stunned.

Eyewitnesses say the operatives arrived without prior notice and ordered all workers to vacate the premises, claiming they were acting on “orders from above.” The operatives reportedly seized the office keys and halted all operations but offered no official explanation for their actions.

The incident has sparked speculation and concern, particularly as it comes amid mounting threats against Forestry Commission staff involved in anti-galamsey (illegal mining) operations within the Oda River Forest Reserve and other protected areas.

Sources within the Commission, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that employees have recently faced intimidation and attacks from illegal mining syndicates. Some officials have reportedly suffered gunshot and machete wounds during confrontations in reserves like Offin Shelterbelt and Obosomkese.

The Oda River Forest Reserve—a vital watershed for communities including Obuasi—has been severely degraded by years of illegal mining, involving both local and foreign actors. The environmental toll includes deforestation, toxic contamination of water bodies, and destruction of farmland.

Forestry Commission personnel, in collaboration with the Forest Services Division’s Rapid Response Units, have led efforts to reclaim the reserves from illegal miners—a mission now seemingly fraught with both environmental and political tensions.

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