The newly appointed Forestry Commission Board has been oriented following its inauguration on May 2, 2025, by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah. The orientation programme brought together Board Members and Executive Management Team to foster collaboration and align on the Commission’s vision, operations, and strategic goals.
In a welcome address, Dr. Hugh C. A Brown, Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission (FC), emphasised the importance of the meeting. “We are gathered here for two key reasons: to build a rapport between the Board and Top Management, and to provide the Board with a comprehensive understanding of the Commission’s operations, roles, and challenges,” he said. He added that departmental presentations would offer strategic insights to guide the Board in effectively supporting the Commission’s mandate.
Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, Board Chairman, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to accountability and impact. “Let us work as a team and reassess our strategies. In public service, we must be ready to respond transparently and responsibly,” he said. He assured management that the Board would defend any member facing unfair treatment and committed to championing the Commission’s collective agenda.
Dr. Brown gave a presentation on an overview of the Forestry Commission’s structure and legal foundation. He mentioned that the Commission was established under Article 269 (1), Chapter 29 of the 1992 Constitution and re-established by Act 571 in 1999, the Commission consolidated various agencies responsible for forest and wildlife resource management. These included the former Forestry Department, Wildlife Department (now Wildlife Division), Timber Export Board, and Forest Product Inspection Bureau (now Timber Industry Development Division).
He noted that the Commission currently manages 288 forest reserves covering 2,334,806 hectares and 21 wildlife-protected areas spanning 1,347,600 hectares. It employs a staff of 4,207, comprising 3,399 males and 808 females. Funding is sourced from both government interventions and internally generated revenues.
Divisional and Unit heads presented their achievements, opportunities, and challenges.
The orientation concluded with a shared sense of purpose. With the Board now fully briefed, the Forestry Commission is poised for accountable, and strategic leadership to drive sustainability and innovation across Ghana’s forestry and wildlife sectors.
2025-06-09