Angry farmers destroy properties of Forestry Commission

Two motorbikes and a tricycle belonging to the Forestry Commission have been burnt down by persons believed to be farmers at Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region.

The incident happened after officials from the Commission set fire into cocoa and farms belonging to some farmers for illegally farming in a forest reserve.

Speaking to mynewsgh.com, Mankranso District Forest Commissioner, Rexford Twum-Damoah said, illegal farmers are now destroying the Disiri forest reserve with their farming activities.

He said the Commission is bent on destroying all farms to discourage others from destroying the virgin forest.

Police in the area suspect the arson might have been committed by the farmers who earlier threatened to attack forestry officials in the area for preventing them from farming in the reserve they claim belongs to them.

Mr. Rexford Twum Damoah also disclosed that staff of the Commission were assaulted by the angry farmers who fiercely resisted the burning.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects urging the residents to provide information that could lead to successful arrest and prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Commission is asking the the people to stay away from the forest reserve to avoid another destruction of their farms.