Tension gripped some Forestry Commission officials in the Ashanti when unidentified individuals stormed and forcibly shut down their offices in Nkawie, Bekwai, and Akomadan, claiming to be operatives of National Security.
Eyewitnesses reported that the group, whose identities remain unknown, arrived at the offices early Monday, ordering staff to vacate the premises under the guise of an official directive.
However, the Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator, John Kwame Jabari, has swiftly denied authorizing any such operation, branding the perpetrators as imposters.
Captain (Rtd) Jabari in an interview distanced National Security from the incident, calling it an “illegal takeover” and warning that those responsible will face arrest.
“We have not sanctioned any operation targeting the Forestry Commission. These individuals are not acting on behalf of National Security, and we are working with the police to swiftly apprehend them. We’ve identified some of the perpetrators as ‘party boys’ but we can’t watch unconcerned for an illegality to thrive, ” he said.
The forced closures have disrupted activities at the affected offices, raising concerns over possible unauthorized seizures or sabotage. Officials from the Forestry Commission have yet to issue an official response, but sources indicate that management is assessing the situation before deciding on the next steps.
Captain (Rtd) Jabari has urged the public to report any suspicious persons claiming to represent state security agencies, emphasizing that properly identified officers always carry authorization.
