A fresh attempt was made at dawn last Thursday to pick up seized excavators from the Forestry Commission Depot in the Ashanti Region, raising security concerns over the safety of impounded machinery.
Previous Seizure Blocked Amid Controversy
Just a week earlier, the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, ordered the release of five excavators to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) for demolition works following the Blue Light Arena inferno.
However, this move was blocked by the Forestry Commission after a heated confrontation and intense media scrutiny.
Dawn Operation: Claim of Authorization
In this latest incident, the group attempting to retrieve the machines claimed they had authorization from senior officials at the Commission.
According to Ashanti Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Clement Omari:
“I had a call from my security personnel at the Depot that some people are asking the security to allow them to pick up excavators away claiming the big men and the Regional Manager have authorised it,” he explained.
Security Standoff: No Arrests Made
It took Mr. Omari’s direct intervention to refute the claim, leading security officers to deny access to the group.
Unfortunately, the unarmed security personnel were unable to make arrests.
“Our security there are not armed. When they came a week ago, they were armed. If those who came at dawn are armed, how do our men arrest them?” Mr. Omari lamented.
Forestry Commission Plans Security Reinforcement
The Forestry Commission now plans to beef up security at the Depot, working closely with the police.
“This has become a worrying situation. You wouldn’t know the day they will come in groups to attack our security personnel at the gate and take all seized items and personal items there,” Mr. Omari added.
Background: KMA Mayor Claimed Responsibility
Last week, individuals posing as National Security operatives attempted to claim the excavators, citing orders from the KMA Mayor.
The Mayor, Richard Boadi, later took responsibility, saying the machines were needed for demolition works at Adumfollowing the fire disaster.
The excavators were subsequently returned after widespread media coverage exposed the operation.