Supremo Wood Processing Limited, a timber firm located near Mim in the Asunafo North district of the Ahafo region, is facing imminent closure, putting over 600 workers at risk of losing their jobs.

The management has decided to shut down operations due to persistent threats from illegal timber operators encroaching on the company's forest concessions. These operators have taken over forest reserves in Juaboso, Goaso, Dormaa, and Bechem districts, making it challenging for Supremo Wood Processing Limited to obtain the necessary timber for its activities.

Established in 2017 and equipped with sawmills, plywood, and furniture departments, the company holds all required operational documents. However, the encroachment by illegal operators has severely hampered its operations.

In a bid to draw government attention to their plight, the workers staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Clad in red attire and bands, they held placards bearing messages such as 'We need our jobs', 'Forest Commission wake up', 'Our future is at stake', and 'We need Military Support'.

Francis Asare, the General Manager of Supremo Wood Processing Limited, addressed the media, highlighting the challenges faced by the company. He lamented that the workers are constantly chased away by armed encroachers, making it impossible to access the forests for raw materials.

As a result, the company is struggling to sustain its operations and is on the brink of closure if immediate action is not taken to address the illegal encroachment and ensure access to timber reserves.

“We cannot pay salaries to the workers when business is not running, there is no money. The best decision is to close down the factory,” he clarified.

He noted that there have been occasional clashes between the intruders and the company's staff, with the latest incident happening on Thursday, March 29, 2024, resulting in five injuries.

Francis Asare appealed to the Forestry Commission for military assistance to deter unauthorized chainsaw operators, allowing them to procure raw materials for operations and sustain the company's operations.

“If the company runs out of raw materials, it will result in its closure; leading to the sacking of over 600 staff members. We plead with the Forestry Commission to assist us with military protection to allow us to peacefully work,” he begged.

“We are also appealing to the Ahafo Police Regional and District Commands to protect the lives of the workers who have been receiving death threats from the encroachers,” the manager said.

James Afriyie, the Forestry Coordinator, informed the media that the illegal timber operators sometimes appear at the company’s premises, issuing warnings against further entry into the forests.

Felicia Amoah, a mother of five who works at the Plywood Department, told Otec News “If the company laid me off, how will I survive with my kids? I beg the authorities responsible for the company’s protection to intervene.”