Tensions are escalating at the Sokoban Wood Village in the Ashanti Region as timber workers voice growing anger over what they describe as illegal and unjustified charges imposed by the Forestry Commission. The aggrieved workers say the situation is crippling legal timber businesses and forcing many into the shadows of illegal logging to survive.
At a press briefing in Kumasi, the Concerned Timber Workers of Sokoban Wood Village accused the Forestry Commission of imposing exorbitant stumpage fees and heavy taxes without proper regulatory backing. They described the development as a serious threat to the timber industry, warning that it could lead to widespread closures of small-scale operations if the situation persists.
Chairman of the Sokoban Wood Village Association, Mr. Adom Nyamah, delivered a strong message calling for immediate government intervention and a complete restructuring of the Forestry Commission. “The Forestry Commission has become more of a burden than a regulator. The fees they charge are illegal and not sanctioned by any approved guidelines. How can we survive under such a system? Government must intervene and restructure the commission before it totally destroys the timber industry,” Mr. Nyamah asserted.
He lamented that the Commission, rather than playing its role in promoting sustainable forest management and protecting operators who abide by the law, is instead pushing the sector into disarray. He noted that the economic hardship resulting from the commission’s actions is driving once-legal operators into illegal logging—a development that could worsen deforestation and environmental degradation across the country.
According to Mr. Nyamah, many law-abiding timber workers who have contributed to the economy for years are now contemplating shutting down their businesses because the operational costs have become unbearable.
Other members of the association echoed similar sentiments and warned of an imminent protest if their concerns are not urgently addressed. They expressed deep disappointment over what they described as endless fruitless engagements and unfulfilled promises by the authorities. “We’ve had enough of talks and empty promises. If we don’t see any change in the coming days, we will organize a massive demonstration to expose the illegalities at the Forestry Commission and demand justice for the timber industry,” one visibly frustrated worker told reporters.
The timber workers are demanding that government initiates an independent investigation into the operations of the Forestry Commission and puts in place a more transparent, fair, and sustainable regulatory framework that will support legal timber businesses while protecting Ghana’s forest resources.
The Sokoban Wood Village is one of the largest timber processing hubs in Ghana and plays a significant role in the country’s wood export sector. Industry observers say any disruption in its operations could have a cascading effect on employment, trade, and environmental conservation.
As the timber workers prepare for potential protest action, many are looking to the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for swift intervention to avert a crisis that could impact the entire forestry value chain.
