The Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC) affiliated to the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani, has inaugurated the Certificate in Natural Resource Management (CNRM) course. At this ceremony, 67 freshmen were matriculated to start the maiden 18-month CNRM course, on 15th July 2024,at the forecourt of FCTC, Ejisu.
The ceremony was set to mark the beginning of an exciting academic journey and formal admission into the programmme which will produce middle-level technicians for forestry and wildlife operations.
In delivering a welcome address, Hon Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Director, FCTC, mentioned that the event was to celebrate the matriculation and unique inauguration ceremony for the certificate program. Looking for opportunities to address the challenge of limited technical minds in the Commission, the first action taken was to restructure the then Wood Industry Training Centre into FCTC in 2014, with the new focus to provide training for FC staff and other allied institutions in the forestry sector. That initiative was to bring back the training of technical-level professionals for the Commission and the industry.
An advisory board called the Technical Training Committee (TTC) was set up in 2015, to supervise the training designs and model the Certificate in Natural Resource Management.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR ), Prof.Asare Bediako, said the program seeks to equip applicants with knowledge and critical skills. The field of Natural Resource Management holds the key to environmental sustainability, energy security, and the overall well-being of mankind. The first batch of 67 students, made up of 53 males and 14 females, were officially enrolled to pursue an 18-month program in CRNM. The UENR among other institutions, would provide supervisory role for the running of the course and award certificates to successful graduates.
A team from UENR led by Prof. Daniel Akoto Sarfo, the Head of the Department of Forest Science, UENR, vetted the selected students who have been officially enrolled. He said “you were selected on merit based on the results you presented and let me state that the results are being verified by the respective examination bodies and If you are found wanted you will be expelled by ethical rights”. He urged the students to study hard and not to throw away this great opportunity.
Mr. John Allotey, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission (FC), in his speech, said he was excited to witness the first matriculation of the CNRM program. He mentioned that FC is mandated to regulate the utilization of forest and wildlife resources and ensure the conservation and management of those resources as well as the coordination of related policies. In performing these roles, the Commission needs a well-trained and prepared work force. He said FCTC is to facilitate the training using largely FC staff as resource persons to ensure practical and hands-on training as UENR will supervise and award the final certificate.
He mentioned that “FC has taken up over 80% of the cost of training to make it affordable to students”. The Commission has solely taken up the training equipment and tools cost for this practical-oriented training program and FC will be the first beneficiary of these graduates.
Mr. Allotey officially launched the Training Reserve Fund to solicit funds to support the running of the program. He also expressed his appreciation to the Sector Minister, Board Members of FC, VC for UENR, Members of the Technical Committee and all gathered present.
He congratulated the matriculants and was happy to see a gender balance among them. He advised them to stay focused, take care of their physical and mental well-being, prioritize self-care, exercise regularly nurture friendships, and embrace new ideas and perspectives.
Hon.Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Lands & Forestry, and the MP for Manhyia North Constituency, expressed his gratitude for the introduction of the professional training program in Natural Resource Management. He said the program aims to equip trainees with practical skills to manage forest resources effectively and combat illegal activities. It aligns with the government’s job creation agenda and will create opportunities in the forestry sector. He encouraged the trainees to be innovative, share ideas, and contribute to the sector’s development.
Hon. Akwasi Konadu, assisted by Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, the Chairman of the FC Board, Mr John Allotey, Hon Andy Okrah, and others, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event.
