A new governing Board for the Forestry Commission has been officially sworn in, with a clear mandate to lead Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and other threats to the nation’s forests and wildlife.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, underscored the critical role of the Board in strengthening governance and sustainability in the forestry sector.
In his address, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources highlighted the vital importance of forests to Ghana’s economy, environment, and rural livelihoods. He expressed concern over the growing pressures of illegal mining (galamsey), uncontrolled logging, wildfires, and other destructive activities, which continue to degrade the country’s natural resources.
“Our vision is clear—to manage Ghana’s forests and wildlife sustainably for present and future generations,” the Minister stated. “With this highly capable Board, we are confident that the Forestry Commission will rise to these challenges with renewed vigor.”
The Forestry Commission is legally tasked with protecting, managing, and developing Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources while ensuring their responsible use.
The new Board’s core duties include: Ensuring good governance and operational efficiency, providing strategic policy direction, monitoring performance and compliance, and fostering strong stakeholder engagement.
Immediate Priorities
The Minister charged the Board to focus on:
- Combatting illegal mining in forest reserves through advocacy and enhanced enforcement.
- Improving staff welfare through policy reforms.
- Streamlining business processes in the timber and wildlife trade sectors.
- Securing sustainable financing for long-term sector growth.
“With your expertise and leadership, I am optimistic about the transformative impact you will bring,” he added.
The Deputy Minister, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, also assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support and urged them to execute their duties with diligence for the benefit of Ghana.
Board Chairman, Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the team and pledged proactive leadership. “We recognize the gravity of our task, and though the challenges are daunting, they are surmountable. This Board will not just deliberate in meetings; we will work on the ground alongside forest guards to reclaim and protect our forests,” he affirmed.
The newly inaugurated Board comprises experts from academia, traditional leadership, industry, and civil society:
- Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio – Chairman
- Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown – Chief Executive Officer, Forestry Commission
- Kumbun Na Yiri II – National House of Chiefs Representative
- Richard Duah Nsenkyire – Timber Trade & Industry Representative
- Tetteh-Hey Omani Osae – Wildlife Trade Industry Representative
- Dr. Abubakari Nantogmah Attah, Esq. – Ghana Institute of Professional Foresters Representative
- Dominic Kwasi Nyanzu – NGO Representative
- Surv. Raphael Hokey, Esq. – Lands Commission Representative
- Brig Gen (Rtd) Dr. Albert Kabenlah Adu – Financial & Managerial Expert
- Nana Kojo Toku – Member
- Hon. Mavis Kukuaa Bissue, MP (Ahanta West Constituency) – Member
The Minister, on behalf of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, formally declared the Board inaugurated, marking a new chapter in Ghana’s forest conservation efforts.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
