The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAC) on Tuesday condemned what it described as a “shameful and unlawful” raid by National Security operatives on three regional offices of the Forestry Commission, calling the incident a serious abuse of power and a threat to environmental protection efforts.
In a firm statement, the coalition said the coordinated operation, which took place in the forest district offices of Bekwai, Nkawie, and Offinso in the Ashanti Region, involved more than 15 heavily armed National Security agents. Eyewitnesses reported forced entry into the facilities, harassment of staff, and a complete shutdown of operations.
“These actions, breaking doors, harassing staff, and forcefully shutting down operations, were reportedly aimed at intimidating and frustrating the good efforts of Forestry Commission staff involved in combating illegal mining in seven forest reserves,” the coalition said.
GCAC described the incident as a “grave breach of the rule of law” and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
The group accused the National Security apparatus of engaging in politically motivated interference that undermines the Forestry Commission’s mandate to protect the country’s forest reserves.
The coalition demanded the prosecution of all those who authorised or took part in the raids, including any politically connected individuals.
It also called for the arrest, prosecution, and dismissal of the operatives involved—particularly those allegedly captured on video—and for the interdiction of the Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator pending investigation.
“This act is not only an abuse of institutional power but also a grave breach of the rule of law, especially when executed by a security agency tasked with upholding it,” the statement said.
GCAC further criticised the appointment of what it termed “politically exposed individuals without technical expertise” to the Forestry Commission and urged the government to end such practices, which it claims compromise the Commission’s professional independence.
The coalition warned that the government’s credibility was at stake, adding that continued political interference and lack of accountability would erode public confidence.
“Ghanaians are losing faith, and failure to act decisively will deepen public mistrust,” it said.
