Former Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra, Alex Djornobuah Tetteh, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to order a full-scale investigation into alleged large-scale illegal logging activities at the Yawkrom Forest in the Sefwi Akontombra District of the Western North Region.
In a press statement issued on June 29, 2026, the former legislator expressed deep concern over what he described as the “disturbing destruction” of the forest reserve, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to environmental sustainability, public safety, and the rule of law.
According to the statement, residents of Yawkrom have reported extensive illegal logging activities carried out by unidentified individuals in the forest reserve.
The former MP further alleged that some community members who attempted to speak out have faced intimidation, threats, and harassment from persons linked to the operations.
He also raised alarm over reports suggesting that six people have allegedly lost their lives in connection with the illegal activities, describing the situation as “grave and unacceptable” if confirmed by investigations.
Alex Djornobuah Tetteh questioned the apparent silence of key public officials, including the Western North Regional Minister Wilbert Petty Brentum, the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra, and the District Chief Executive for Sefwi Akontombra.
He also called for scrutiny of the Forestry Commission’s leadership structure in the region, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission and forestry officials in the Western North Region and Sefwi Wiawso, questioning whether negligence or complicity may have contributed to the alleged destruction.
Among his concerns, he asked what relationships, if any, exist between illegal operators and certain political and forestry officials, urging a transparent probe into the matter.
The former MP is urging President Mahama to direct security and investigative agencies to conduct an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into both the alleged illegal logging activities and the reported acts of violence.
He further called for accountability for any public official or private individual found to have facilitated, ignored, or failed to prevent the alleged activities.
Alex Djornobuah Tetteh also appealed to residents of Yawkrom and surrounding communities to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while authorities investigate the matter.
“Our forests are a national heritage entrusted to us for future generations. They must never be sacrificed for the selfish interests of a few individuals. The people of Yawkrom deserve protection, justice, and accountability.”
The Yawkrom Forest, located within the Sefwi Akontombra District, has in recent times been linked to concerns over illegal logging and environmental degradation, making the former MP’s call one of the strongest public appeals yet for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
FULL PRESS STATEMENT
-Press Release-
29th June, 2026
*FORMER MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SEFWI AKONTOMBRA CALLS FOR PRESIDENTIAL INVESTIGATION INTO FORESTRY COMMISSION CEO, WESTERN NORTH AND SEFWI WIAWSO FORESTRY OFFICIALS, WESTERN NORTH REGIONAL MINISTER, SEFWI AKONTOMBRA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT AND SEFWI AKONTOMBRA DCE OVER MASS ILLEGAL LOGGING AT YAWKROM FOREST*
I have followed with grave concern the disturbing reports of large-scale illegal logging activities at the Yawkrom forest in the Sefwi Akontombra District of the Western North Region.
According to the confirmed reports from residents, the forest reserve is being subjected to extensive destruction by individuals engaged in unauthorized logging operations. Community members have also alleged that armed men and other persons associated with these activities have intimidated, threatened, and harassed residents who have spoken out against the destruction of the forest.
Even more disturbing are reports that six persons have reportedly lost their lives in connection with these illegal activities. The confirmed incidents represent a serious threat to public safety, environmental protection, and the rule of law.
As the former Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra, I cannot remain silent while one of our nation’s valuable forest reserves is being destroyed and the lives of our people are reportedly being put at risk.
I wish to ask the following questions:
1. Why has our regional minister remained silent on this issue ?
2. Why has the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra remained silent on the destruction of the Yawkrom forest and the intimidation of residents?
3. Why has the District Chief Executive for Sefwi Akontombra not taken visible and decisive steps to address these serious allegations?
4. What is the relationship between those illegal operators, the DCE, MP, and the regional minister?
5. What is the relationship between the illegal operators, the forestry ceo, the forestry regional minister and the forestry Sefwi Wiawso District manager?
I respectfully call on His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to immediately direct the appropriate state institutions, including the security agencies and investigative bodies, to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the reported illegal logging activities and the associated acts of violence.
I further call for investigations into the possible involvement, negligence, or complicity of the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, the Western North Regional Forestry Manager, the Sefwi Wiawso District Forestry Manager, the District Chief Executive for Sefwi Akontombra, and any other public officials, the current member of parliament , or private individuals who may have facilitated, supervised, ignored, or failed to prevent these illegal activities.
If any public official or individual is found to have violated the law or failed in their statutory responsibilities, they must be held fully accountable and prosecuted without fear or favour.
Our forests are a national heritage entrusted to us for future generations. They must never be sacrificed for the selfish interests of a few individuals.
The people of Yawkrom deserve protection, justice, and accountability.
I urge all residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities investigate these allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Signed
HON. ALEX DJORNOBUAH TETTEH
Former Member of Parliament
Sefwi Akontombra Constituency
0203061755/0549374964
