The Chief Executive (CE) of the Forestry Commission (FC), Mr. John Allotey , has commended staff across the country for the tireless efforts and dedication towards achieving the mandate of the Commission. He made this known during the 2023 edition of the Chief Executive’s End of Year Awards and Staff Recognition event, which was held at Takoradi in the Western Region.
He appreciated the Forest Services Division (FSD), Climate Change Department and the National Timber Monitoring Team for their work in the fight against illegal logging. He also commended the Corporate Affairs & Media Relations Unit for tirelessly promoting the image of the Commission and putting out the good works of the Commission for the world to see.
At the event, 18 meritorious awards were presented to 18 members of staff in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the work of the Commission.
They were awarded with FC branded wrist watches, citations, cash prizes, refrigerators and television sets.
In review of the Commission’s programs and activities , Mr. John Allotey commended the Rapid Response Team, for their efforts to clamp down on illegal mining. To him, though they are doing well, they need better logistics to resource them to fight the menace.
He mentioned that, the Ministry of Tourism will be working with the Wildlife Division (WD) to improve on the services and outlook of protected areas like the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, and Kakum and Mole National Parks .
He indicated that though the Commission has seen more export of plantation timber, bamboo could be a substitute to reduce the over dependence on forest trees and that can also generate funds.
Mr. Allotey applauded the Timber Industry Development Department (TIDD) for commissioning a Forensic Wood Laboratory , which helps to tell timber species apart.
He also appreciated the Board of Commissioners for their utmost commit0ment towards the work they do for the Commission.
He also appreciated Mr. Chris Beeko , the Director of the Timber Validation Department and his team, for developing a software locally, which has saved the Commission money and encouraged other divisions using foreign software to try and develop local softwares to save the Commission from paying thousands of dollars for their purchases.
“Although the Commission is working tirelessly to protect the forests and wildlife resources, illegal mining and logging, cattle grazing and bushfires continue to pose serious threats to the environment, ” he stated.
The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, applauded the job the Rapid Response Unit is doing, and promised to support their activities and that of the Wildlife Division ,FSD and the FC as a whole.
The Minister mentioned that, Western Region stands a chance of developing bamboo plantations and said his outfit is ready to work with the FC in that regard.
The Deputy Minister in charge of Lands and Forestry, from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Benito Owusu -Bio,
expressed his gratitude to members of the Board and management of FC for the tremendous work they do to make the work of the Commission successful.
He congratulated FC for executing the 2023 Green Ghana Project to restore degraded landscapes. “Next year, we are looking forward to a more challenging target for the GGD and I know the able leadership of FC will see it through, ” he added.
Hon. Owusu -Bio also commended the Commission for their efforts in ecotourism and touched on the reopening of the Accra Zoo, and the intention to open new zoos in Koforidua and Takoradi. To him, when this is achieved, jobs will be created to support the national agenda.
He also commended the Climate Change Department headed by Ms. Roselyn Fosua Adjei for the good work they been doing in the area of climate change mitigation.
“Coming back from COP, I am glad the world has recognised the work Ghana has been doing in relation to emissions reduction”, he concluded.
The Chairman for the occasion who is also the Board Chairman of the Commission, and the Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area,Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, congratulated awardees, stating that the quest for excellence never ends.
He encouraged staff to challenge and motivate themselves to be successful.