{"id":112177,"date":"2026-01-22T11:53:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T11:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=112177"},"modified":"2026-01-22T11:53:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T11:53:07","slug":"forestry-commission-deputy-ceo-targeted-for-defending-ghanas-forests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=112177","title":{"rendered":"Forestry Commission Deputy CEO targeted for defending Ghana\u2019s forests"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>4 Minute, 4 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>
\"Forestry<\/p>\n

The legal and administrative pressures confronting Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, are increasingly being seen by forestry experts and civil society groups as a calculated attempt to punish an official who has refused to compromise Ghana\u2019s fight against illegal logging.<\/p>\n

Mr Kotoko has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the state\u2019s enforcement drive against illegal lumbering, a multibillion-cedi criminal enterprise that continues to devastate forest reserves and deprive the nation of vital revenue.<\/p>\n

His unwavering commitment to law enforcement, accountability, and revenue mobilisation has reportedly made him a prime target of powerful cartels, whose operations thrive on weak oversight and internal compromise.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce he decided not to look the other way, he became an enemy,\u201d a senior Forestry Commission source disclosed.
\u201cThe cartel realised he could not be bought.\u201d<\/p>\n

Standing Firm Against Illegal Logging<\/h3>\n

Since assuming office, Kotoko has directed field officers to rigorously apply forestry regulations, intercept trucks transporting illegal timber, and ensure that offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law.<\/p>\n

These measures, sources say, significantly disrupted illegal timber routes and bolstered internally generated revenue for the state.<\/p>\n

However, rather than receiving institutional support, forestry staff who executed his lawful instructions were subsequently interdicted, with their cases remaining unresolved months later.<\/p>\n

Observers describe this as a deliberate attempt to intimidate officers and discourage enforcement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt created fear,\u201d explained a frontline officer.
\u201cPeople became afraid to do their jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Undermining Enforcement Through Intimidation<\/h3>\n

Analysts argue that unresolved interdictions weaken operational confidence and embolden criminal networks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen law-abiding officers are punished while illegal operators roam freely, enforcement collapses,\u201d stated an environmental policy expert.<\/p>\n

Such actions have fuelled suspicion that powerful interests within and outside the Commission are actively undermining reform efforts.<\/p>\n

Resistance to the National Timber Monitoring Team<\/h3>\n

Tensions escalated following the inauguration of the National Timber Monitoring Team (NTMT) by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Buah.<\/p>\n

The NTMT was established to enhance transparency, strengthen route monitoring, and eliminate illegal timber movements.<\/p>\n

Sources within the forestry sector confirm that illegal logging cartels perceived the initiative as a serious threat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey openly said the NTMT must fail,\u201d one source revealed.
\u201cThey believe the minister exceeded his authority, and they want to make an example of those implementing the policy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kotoko, whose office coordinates enforcement, has since faced increased resistance and legal pressure.<\/p>\n

Court Case Viewed as Retaliation<\/h3>\n

The legal action filed by Yeboah Kwaku Ninson, widely believed to be connected to senior figures within the Forestry Commission, is now being interpreted by many as retaliation rather than a genuine grievance.<\/p>\n

The suit relates to an official monitoring operation in July 2025, during which Kotoko led an assessment along timber corridors to identify:<\/p>\n