5 Die in clash between illegal timber loggers

A fatal confrontation between two alleged illegal timber-logging groups in the forest area of Sefwi Agyemadiem in the Juaboso District of the Western Region has resulted in the death of five people.  

The violent clash took place last Tuesday morning, following disagreement and tensions between the two groups over the control of prime logging areas in the district.

Some sources in the area alleged that the two groups had been engaging in unauthorised timber harvesting in the area, which had become a growing concern in the region.

Eyewitness account

The clash, according to eyewitnesses, escalated quickly with the introduction and wielding of machetes, pump-action guns and other tools commonly used in their illicit operations during the incident.

A witness recounted that “a Mitsubishi pick-up truck with registration number GE 9075-17 was set ablaze in the heat of the violence” which also rendered other members of the factions injured.

The injured victims were rushed to the Sefwi Asawinso Hospital for medical attention.

Identification of deceased

The deceased, who are believed to be members of one of the groups involved in the clash, are yet to be officially identified.

Meanwhile, security personnel led by the police have been deployed to the area to restore calm, transport the bodies, and launch investigations into the incident which has now created insecurity and fear among residents.

Concerns

The clash has refuelled concerns over the rising illegal logging menace plaguing the region over the years, in addition to the illegal mining being experienced in the region.

Residents and local authorities have called for tighter enforcement of forestry laws to prevent further destruction of the area’s natural resources and to curb violence linked to these activities.

The Chief of Sefwi Boinzan and Kontihene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, weeks earlier urged the government to take decisive action against illegal activities in the region’s forest reserves to preserve the rich vegetation of the area for the next generation.

However, with tensions still high, pressure has been mounted on the authorities to expedite enforcement and prevent further bloodshed linked to illegal logging in the Juaboso District and other parts of the region at large.