Forestry Commission mourns fallen officer, Raphael Ganyo

The Forestry Commission has paid its final respects to Raphael Ganyo, a young officer described as a gallant soldier who lost his life while protecting the nation’s natural resources.

The Commission’s Board Chairman, Isaac Essien, led management and staff to mourn with the bereaved family during the final funeral rites of the late officer.

Raphael Ganyo, a 28-year-old Resource Guard with the Wildlife Division, was shot and killed by a poacher at the Kalakpa Resource Reserve on January 6, 2026. He had served the Commission since November 2021 with dedication in the Law Enforcement Unit.

His death highlights the growing dangers faced by forestry personnel who continue to battle illegal miners, chainsaw operators and poachers, often under difficult conditions and with limited logistics.

Speaking at the funeral, the Chief Executive of the Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, renewed calls for the institution to be granted paramilitary status to strengthen forest protection efforts and improve the safety of officers in the field.

According to him, the Commission is pursuing legal processes to amend Act 571 so that officers can be legally empowered to carry firearms for self-defense during operations. He noted that many field staff currently face heavily armed criminals with inadequate protection.

In honour of his service, the Commission posthumously promoted Raphael Ganyo to the rank of Chief Resource Guard, the highest level within the resource guard structure.

It also announced that the Zitoe Camp, where he served, will be renamed the Raphael Ganyo Camp.

As part of support for the grieving family, the Commission pledged to offer employment to two relatives in the Wildlife Division and donated GH¢50,000, in addition to other assistance provided since the tragic incident.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith