Paramilitary Status to Safeguard Forestry Officers

The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, has renewed calls for the institution to be granted paramilitary status.

He explained that such a move would enhance efforts to safeguard the country’s forest resources while ensuring the safety of personnel operating in the field.

Dr Brown noted that granting paramilitary status and permitting the use of more sophisticated weaponry would better equip forest and resource guards to confront criminal groups, including illegal miners, poachers, loggers and chainsaw operators, who have been responsible for attacks on officers.

His appeal follows the killing of Wildlife Division officer Raphael Ganyo, who was fatally shot by a poacher at the Kalakpa Resource Reserve in Ho in the Volta Region.

The 28-year-old officer, who joined the Forestry Commission on November 1, 2021, served as a resource guard and was part of the Law Enforcement Unit. He was shot in the chest while on patrol near the Zitoe Camp within the reserve.

His death adds to a growing number of casualties among Forestry Commission personnel, many of whom have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

Over the past eight years, more than a dozen officers have lost their lives, while at least 57 others have sustained various degrees of injury during confrontations with environmental offenders.

Despite operating under difficult conditions and limited logistics to protect forest reserves and national parks, these guards remain vulnerable to attacks from heavily armed illegal miners, poachers, and chainsaw operators.

Data from the Forestry Services Division indicate that at least 10 officers have been killed in clashes with illegal miners within the last eight years, while 34 others have suffered severe injuries.

Further checks show that between 2017 and 2026, a total of 23 personnel from the Wildlife Division have either been killed or critically injured by poachers and illegal loggers.

Records also reveal that four resource guards were killed by poachers within that period, with 19 others sustaining serious injuries, some of whom continue to battle for survival.

Notable incidents include the killing of Stephen Osei Yaw at the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve in 2017, Thomas Kwaku Majam at Mole National Park in 2018, and Matthew Nkuah at Bia National Park in 2019.

Beyond attacks by criminals, some officers have also been injured by wildlife, including elephants, as well as accidents involving explosives used by illegal miners.

Against this background, Dr Brown reiterated the urgent need for paramilitary status to strengthen the Commission’s operational capacity and improve staff protection.

He pointed out that the current structure leaves officers exposed to dangerous confrontations with well-armed criminals whose weapons often surpass those available to forest guards.

Dr Brown further explained that existing regulations require the Commission to obtain clearance from the Ministry of Defence before accessing certain weapons, a situation he described as restrictive.

He indicated that steps are underway to review the Forestry Commission Act to provide a legal basis for carrying arms within forest reserves and wildlife parks to enhance law enforcement.

In addition to security concerns, he highlighted logistical challenges, including shortages of patrol vehicles, motorbikes, and protective equipment.

He also disclosed a personnel shortfall of about 2,400, which he said places significant strain on the current workforce and increases operational risks.

Dr Brown maintained that achieving paramilitary status would provide access to advanced training and better equipment to address evolving environmental crimes.

He expressed confidence that with the necessary legal reforms, the Commission would be better positioned to protect the nation’s natural resources.

Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission has posthumously promoted Raphael Ganyo to the rank of Chief Resource Guard, the highest level within that cadre.

The Commission also announced plans to rename the Zitoe Camp in his honour, subject to the completion of formal procedures.

To support the bereaved family, two relatives are to be offered employment within the Wildlife Division, while a donation of GH¢50,000 has been made alongside other assistance.

Dr Brown said these measures reflect the Commission’s commitment to supporting affected families and honouring officers who lose their lives in the line of duty.