Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has cautioned timber merchants and contractors in the wood industry against engaging in practices that undermine forest regulations, stressing that the Commission will not tolerate any attempt to legitimise illegally acquired timber.
During a working visit to Techiman, Mr. Kotoko met with stakeholders within the timber and wood trade, where he addressed concerns over what merchants described as frequent arrests and seizures by Forestry Commission officers. The traders complained that the arrests were often linked to alleged fake documentation, under-declaration of wood quantities, or deliberate misclassification of timber species to evade taxes and levies.
Responding to calls by some traders for seized wood to be auctioned back to the same merchants, Mr. Kotoko strongly rejected the proposal, describing it as “an open invitation to perpetuate illegality.”
“If seized wood is resold to the same offenders, it will only encourage people to acquire wood illegally and deliberately get arrested so they can buy it back. That practice fuels crime, not discipline,” he explained.
He emphasised that such actions contradict the Forestry Commission’s commitment to sustainable management of Ghana’s forest resources and would only embolden those who exploit regulatory loopholes.
Promoting dialogue and partnership
Mr. Kotoko urged all stakeholders in the forestry and timber value chain to prioritise dialogue and collaboration as the best way to resolve operational challenges. He advised contractors and merchants to maintain constant engagement with the Commission rather than waiting for senior officials to visit before raising their concerns.
“Engagement and dialogue remain the most effective ways to address misunderstanding, not confrontation or resistance,” he noted.
The Deputy CEO described the meeting as “another successful engagement,” noting that it restated the Forestry Commission’s devotion to working hand in hand with industry players to strengthen transparency and compliance.
Delivering on promises and reforming operations
Mr. Kotoko also used the visit to fulfil a promise he made to the Techiman Timber Market during his last visit as part of the National Democratic Congress campaign. He confirmed that five new streetlights had been installed to improve safety and lighting in the area and pledged to provide additional ones if needed.
He explained that the Forestry Commission, under its new business-oriented approach, aims to align its operations with the Forestry Commission Act, 1999 (Act 571) while enhancing its commercial viability.
“The new paradigm seeks to promote both regulatory integrity and business growth. The Forestry Commission is not just a watchdog but a partner in the timber industry,” he said.
According to him, the Commission’s transformation agenda is in line with the directive of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who has challenged the institution to become a profit-generating public entity through the establishment of a specialised business unit.
Mr. Kotoko also cautioned that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government will not condone indiscipline, corruption, or defiance of lawful authority within the forestry sector.
“The new sheriff in town is John Dramani Mahama,” he stated, adding that: “No one should think they can act to undermine the government and go scot-free.”
He reiterated the government’s determination to protect Ghana’s natural resources, restore accountability, and ensure the forestry sector contributes meaningfully to national development.
