Lands Minister Reaffirms Government Support During Forestry Commission Visit



The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured staff and management of the Forestry Commission of the government’s unwavering support in revitalizing the sector as part of the national “Reset Ghana” agenda.


During a working visit to the Commission’s head office in Accra on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Hon. Buah said the visit was to familiarize himself with the operations of the Commission, understand their challenges, and rally staff support for transformation within the sector.


“You have a critical role in national development. Without your work, Ghana cannot survive. You are the custodians of our forest and wildlife resources, and it is your responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations,” the Minister said.


He emphasized the historic importance of the Commission, which has existed since 1909, and called on staff to uphold the legacy of those who came before them. “You walk in the shadows of great giants,” he remarked.


Hon. Buah stressed the importance of forest and wildlife preservation in the context of climate change and environmental degradation, noting that protecting the country’s green assets is directly linked to the survival of Ghanaians.


He acknowledged the multifaceted threats confronting the Forestry Commission, including illegal mining (galamsey), illegal logging, and other 21st-century challenges. The Minister pledged the government’s commitment to tackling these threats head-on and ensuring the Commission is well-resourced.


“As Minister, I have spent the last two months aggressively pursuing the fight against galamsey. But this is only one part of our mission. We have a lot more work to do,” he said.


The Minister emphasized that his presence was on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, who has given the strongest indication that the NDC government is committed to resetting the country’s governance and development architecture, including the forestry sector.


“The Reset Ghana agenda is about integrity, hard work, and leaving a better future for the next generation. We are bringing that agenda to the Forestry Commission,” he stated.


Hon. Buah also revealed plans to push for legislation in Parliament that will unlock more resources for the Commission, including proposals to create a commercial arm of the institution to generate more revenue internally.


“Fifty years ago, the Forestry Commission might have operated like a charity. Today, under the reset agenda, it must think like a business and become an attractive, well-paying employer,” he said.


He assured staff that the government would support salary improvements and welfare initiatives, adding that employees aligned with the new vision would receive the full backing of the ministry.


“The only ones who should be worried are those resisting change. The reforms will happen. We must make this a vibrant place that young people are proud to work in,” the Minister concluded.







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Chieftaincy Crisis: Ngleshie Alata Chiefs Reject Imposed Mantse

Image
The Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council has strongly condemned the recent induction of Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye, also known as Oblempong Wetse Kojo II, as the Ngleshie Alata Mantse. Speaking on behalf of the council, Nii Ofei III, Divisional Chief of Kokrobitey, alleged that the induction was carried out unlawfully by the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs without the knowledge or involvement of the traditional council. According to Nii Ofei III, the process of installing a chief follows clear constitutional and customary guidelines, which were blatantly disregarded in this case. He accused the registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and its president, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, of collaborating to impose Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye on the traditional council. “This induction was conducted in secrecy. We only became aware of it after a letter circulated about a meeting between the Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Regional House of Chief...
Read more

Royal Jamong Family Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Interference in Bunkpurugu Chieftaincy Dispute

Image
The Royal Jamong Family of Bunkpurugu has expressed deep concern over what it describes as political interference by Vice President Dr. Mahamud Bawumia and the NPP parliamentary candidate for Bunkpurugu, Mr. Solomon N. Boar, in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute surrounding the Bunkpurugu skin. In a strongly-worded statement, the family accused the two politicians of exerting undue pressure on the National House of Chiefs, a move that they believe undermines the integrity of the chieftaincy institution. The family pointed to recent comments made by Abuba, who claimed that his uncle, Vice President Bawumia, had promised to ensure that a pending judgment in the chieftaincy case would be delayed indefinitely. This, the Royal Jamong Family warned, is a "sad development and a recipe for disaster." The family has also documented Mr. Boar's activities, including a recent trip to Accra with Abuba to meet the Vice President. This has led the family to question the motivations behind ...
Read more

Electrochem’s Ada Salt Deal in Jeopardy

Image
The 15-year mining lease agreements for Electrochem Ghana Limited, a private salt mining company to mine salt on the Ada Songhor Lagoon appears to be in jeopardy with the withdrawal of consent to the agreement by the allodia owners of the lagoon.  The latest blow to Electrochem which is owned by Daniel McKorley, Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies is the withdrawal of consent by Nene Korley IV who is the Divisional Chief and Clan-head of the Tekperbiawe Clan of the Ada Traditional Area.  In a letter written to Mr. McKorley through his lawyers A-F Amissah & Wood Solicitors and Barristers Consultants dated 11th February 2025 and titled, “Letter of Withdrawal of Consent to Electrochem’s Dealing With the Songor Lagoon”, Nene Korley IV cited thuggery, insecurity in Ada, violation of rights of the indigenes and locals among others as the reasons for his withdrawal of consent to the company’s dealings with the Songor lagoon. The letter which was copied NENE AB...
Read more