The Forestry Commission has firmly rejected media reports alleging that two of its officers were interdicted in connection with GH₵623,000 in revenue, describing the claims as inaccurate and damaging.
In a statement, the Commission said the reports were “false and distorted to bring the image of the Commission into disrepute.”
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It stressed that the two officers named in the publications — Felix Gatiba and Eric Boamah — have not been interdicted.
According to the Forestry Commission, the revenue in question was properly generated, fully accounted for, and remains part of official funds due to the institution.
It said any suggestions of financial impropriety on the part of the two staff members were baseless.
The clarification comes months after a directive issued on April 17, 2025, by the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission aimed at tightening oversight and curbing alleged collusion between some officers and timber cartels involved in processing and transporting illegally harvested timber.
The directive ordered that all confiscated lumber, wood products, and trucks carrying such items, irrespective of their source, be deposited at designated Regional, Area, and District offices of the Commission.
The move was intended to ensure transparency, enhance monitoring, and block revenue leakages.
To further probe emerging concerns within the timber supply chain, the Commission has also established a six-member Committee of Inquiry chaired by Mr. Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, Acting Deputy Chief Executive.
The committee has commenced its work and is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the allegations and broader operational challenges.
The Forestry Commission urged the public to disregard the misleading reports and rely on verified information as investigations continue.
