On Monday, May 12, 2025, a group of irate youth from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region besieged the Forestry Commission Office in Enchi. The protest was sparked by allegations of biased job recruitment, with the youth claiming that the District Manager, Mr. Joe Appiah Frimpong, had shortlisted members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for job opportunities without considering NDC members.
The youth stormed the Forestry Commission Office at approximately 10:30 am, intent on stopping the alleged ongoing job interview for supervisor positions. They proceeded to sack all Forestry Commission staff and locked up their offices.
Mr. Robert Ayembela, the NDC Aowin youth organizer, blamed the District Manager for the chaotic situation, vowing that the youth would set the Forestry Commission Office ablaze if their demands were not met.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin Municipality, Mr. Stephen Morcher, and the police intervened to restore law and order. Although no arrests were made, the MCE appealed to the youth to seek proper channels to address their grievances rather than resorting to violence against government officials.
The MCE assured the aggrieved youth that they would receive their fair share of the national cake through the government’s “resetting agenda.” He urged the youth to remain calm and patient, promising that their concerns would be addressed.
The situation has been brought under control, but the incident highlights the need for transparency and fairness in government recruitment processes. The government must ensure that all recruitment processes are merit-based and free from bias to promote trust and confidence in its institutions.
