Accra: Dr Hugh Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, has reiterated the need for the commission to be granted paramilitary status to protect the country's forest resources and ensure the security of its field staff. He emphasized that by transforming the commission into a paramilitary entity and allowing the use of advanced weapons, forest and resource guards would be better equipped to tackle criminal activities in the forests.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Brown highlighted the growing threat posed by illegal miners, poachers, illegal loggers, and chainsaw operators who have been responsible for the deaths and injuries of commission field officers. The CEO's remarks were made during the burial service of Mr. Raphael Ganyo, a field officer killed by a poacher at the Kalakpa Resource Reserve in Ho, Volta Region, on January 6, 2026.
Mr. Ganyo, aged 28, was employed by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission and served diligently as a resource guard. His untimely death adds to the list of field officers who have fallen victim to violent criminal acts while on duty. Dr Brown stressed that the commission's current structure leaves officers vulnerable to heavily armed criminals, particularly those involved in illegal mining and poaching, who operate with sophisticated weaponry.
Dr Brown explained that existing regulations limit the commission's access to necessary arms and ammunition, which hampers their effectiveness in high-risk operations. He announced ongoing efforts to review the Forestry Commission Act, which would provide the legal mandate to carry arms and enforce law and order within forest reserves and wildlife parks.
In addition to weaponry challenges, the commission faces logistical and operational hurdles, such as inadequate patrol vehicles, motorbikes, and protective gear for personnel in hostile environments. Dr Brown disclosed a personnel deficit of about 2,400, which has stretched the existing staff thin and increased their vulnerability during operations.
The CEO maintained that granting the commission paramilitary status would facilitate advanced training and proper equipment for officers, enabling them to address the evolving nature of environmental crime effectively. He expressed confidence that with the legal framework in place, the commission would be better positioned to protect the nation's natural resources.
In recognition of Mr. Ganyo's service, the commission posthumously promoted him to Chief Resource Guard and announced that the Zitoe Camp would be renamed the Raphael Ganyo Camp. To support the bereaved family, the commission committed to employing two family members within the Wildlife Division and donated GHS50,000 to the family.
Dr Brown indicated that these interventions underscore the commission's commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers and honoring their sacrifices. Records from the Forestry Services Division reveal that at least 10 officers have died in confrontations with illegal miners over the past eight years, with 34 others sustaining life-threatening injuries. Additionally, between 2017 and now, 23 staff from the Wildlife Division have been killed or maimed by poachers and illegal chainsaw operators. The data also shows that resource guards have sustained life-threatening injuries from poacher attacks, elephant encounters, and chemical explosions used by illegal miners.