Residents of Asikam in the Kwahu East District have expressed outrage after the Forestry Commission seized wood they had mobilised to re-roof a local school building destroyed by a storm.
Report says, two weeks ago, torrential rains ripped off the entire roof of the Asikam D/A Basic School, leaving classrooms exposed and learning on hold. With no swift response from authorities, the community decided to act.
In a show of unity, men were asked to contribute GH₵ 100 and women, GH₵ 50, to support the re-roofing project.
The community managed to gather all required materials, including a donated “odum” tree from a resident’s farm, which they processed with the help of chainsaw operators.
However, their hopes were dashed when officers from the Forestry Commission in Mpraeso reportedly moved in and seized the timber, citing possible illegality. All efforts by the community to retrieve the wood have so far been unsuccessful.
“We are only trying to help our children return to school. Waiting for the government would have taken months,” said Hon. Omari Sampson Asiedu, a member of the local Unit Committee, speaking to the media.
Nana Ntim Boateng I, Chief of Asikam, has appealed to the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and the District Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Asamoah, to intervene and help resolve the impasse.
He is also pleading with the Forestry Commission to reconsider its decision, given the urgency of the situation.
Several residents, visibly upset, questioned the timing and motives of the seizure.
“Our children are still at home while others are in class. This is not right,” one mother lamented.
