“People are happy with the performance of the Forestry Commission (FC), and are witnessing more action being taken to protect and conserve the forests and its resources, especially with regards to illegal mining”. This statement was made by the Chief Executive of FC, Mr. John Allotey, as he addressed Management of the Forest Services Division (FSD), at their end-of-year Extended Management Meeting.
According to Mr. Hugh Brown, the Executive Director of FSD, the meeting was to review the achievements of the Division, deliberate on issues affecting them, and plan for 2024.
Mr. Allotey mentioned that nobody is above the law. “Executive Directors and Directors are encouraged to work as they should, and must endeavor to highlight anybody arrested for illegalities, for all to see within the shortest possible time”, he encouraged.
He applauded the Forest Services Division for their smooth operations this year and thanked the leadership of the Division for their guidance, control, and management.
The CE also congratulated and thanked staff going on retirement for tirelessly working for the Commission. To him, what is important is how many people they have impacted and mentored in their area of work during their period with the Commission. He however encouraged them to network, establish, and maintain relationships before and after retirement. “How we relate to people, how we impact people is very important”, he emphasized.
Mr. Allotey used the opportunity to advice Management to be intentional, spend time and be abreast with current issues, and encouraged them to have a fair idea of anything and everything concerning the work of FC. He mentioned carbon markets and nature based solutions as examples of issues Management should know, to enrich their knowledge and understanding.
He also announced that uniforms will be made available to staff next year, and beseeched Regional Managers (RM’s) and District Managers (DM’s) to endeavor to wear their uniforms to represent and portray the Commission.
The Human Resource Director, Mrs. Anne Brown, thanked the CE for emphasizing on the need for Management and staff of the Division to wear uniforms. She advised Management to take time to check their pay slips for anomalies, if any, to be rectified before they retire. “If your current position does not reflect on your pay slip, it should be rectified now otherwise after retirement, it will be difficult to get the Controller and Accountants General Department (CAGD) to make changes for you to enjoy your retirement benefits”, she added.
Mrs. Brown also encouraged RMs/DMs to ensure they receive appropriate letters when postings are made or they are promoted.
According to her, Safety Officers will be assigned to various Regions and Districts, and mentioned that Public Relations Officers have already been stationed in various Regions and Districts. For this reason, she appealed to RMs and DMs to work with them and give them maximum support to enable them to perform their duties well.
The first part of the program ended with an interactive session.
