The Forestry Commission (FC) has paid its last respects to the late Nana Richard Otwey, Senior Ranger of the Kakum Conservation Area (KCA), at his burial and funeral rites held at Abrafo-Odumase in the Central Region.
Nana Otwey, 59, was shot in the chest and killed by a suspected poacher during a routine forest patrol and anti-poaching operation within the KCA on Saturday, 22nd August, 2026.
He led a team of four Wildlife Resource Guards on a three-day patrol at Briscoe 2 Camp near the Kruwa Community when the incident occurred.
The patrol identified the two suspected poachers as John Mensah and Bukari Abudu, both residents of Assin Betwease in the Assin South District. The patrol team managed to apprehend John Mensah, while Bukari Abudu, who allegedly fired the fatal shot, escaped and has since remained at large.
Tributes that poured in described the late ranger as principled, courageous, loyal and “a symbol of long service.”
In recognition of his dedication and ultimate sacrifice, the Commission erected a bust in his honour in front of the Administration Office of the Kakum National Park. The FC also made cash donations to his wife and child and fully covered the funeral expenses, including coffin, mortuary services, canopies, chairs and other support.
Additionally, the Commission has announced a reward of GH¢50,000.00 for credible information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the alleged assailant at large.
Unveiling the bust, Dr. Hugh Brown , Chief Executive of Forestry Commission, eulogised Nana Otwey for his unwavering dedication to duty and described him as a man whose life was devoted to the protection of the country’s natural heritage. A 21-gun salute was fired in his honour by his colleagues.
The late Nana Richard Otwey, who was also the Mmrantehene of Afeaso, joined the Wildlife Division on 1st October, 1989 as a Skilled Labourer. Through hard work and commitment, he rose to the rank of Senior Ranger, a position he held until his untimely death.
The burial service was attended by high-ranking officials of the Commission, including the Chief Executive, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown; Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Hon. Timothy A. Awontiirim; Mr. Tetteh-Hevy Oman and Dr. Abukari Nantgmah Attah, both members of the FC Board; Executive Director of the Forest Services Division, Dr. Gordon Kofi Sarfo-Adu; and Director of Operations of the Wildlife Division, Mr. Richard Ofori-Amanfo.
Also present were functional heads and managers from the various divisions, departments, regional offices, protected areas and units of the FC, who joined the family to mourn the fallen officer.
The Kakum Conservation Area, comprising the Assin Atandanso Resource Reserve and the Kakum National Park, is one of the protected areas under the Wildlife Division and is renowned for its iconic canopy walkway, tree houses and bird watching platforms
