Forestry Commission Board pays courtesy call Ashanti Regional Minister, pledges stronger collaboration on environmental protection

The newly constituted Board of the Forestry Commission (FC) has paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, as part of its nationwide familiarization tour aimed at strengthening collaboration with key regional stakeholders in the fight against deforestation, illegal mining, and unsustainable land use practices.

The visit, held in Kumasi, served as a platform for the Board to formally introduce its members and brief the Regional Minister on their presence in the region for a series of official engagements, including stakeholder consultations.

Led by Board Chairman, Professor Martin Oteng-Ababio, the high-powered delegation included Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, and other distinguished Board Members: Dr. Abukari Nantogmah Attah Esq., Surveyor Raphael Hokey Esq., Dr. Richard Duah Nsenkyire, Mr. Tetteh Hevy-Oman, Kumbun Naa Yiri II, Mr. Dominic Kwasi Nyanzu, Hon. Mavis Kukuaa Bissue, Brig. Gen. (Rtd.) Dr. Albert Adu, and Mr. Kojo Toku.

The team was formally introduced by the Commission’s Legal Director and Board Secretary, Lawyer Dennis Osei-Hwere, Esq.

In his welcoming remarks,HDr. Amoakohene congratulated the Board members on their appointment and praised the Forestry Commission for its unwavering efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.

He, however, highlighted key environmental challenges in the region, including pressure to relocate the Kumasi Zoo due to urban expansion, the need to protect reclaimed lands around Lake Bosomtwe and Atwea mountains, and the call for more visible and sustainable land reclamation efforts post-illegal mining activities.

Responding to these concerns, Professor Oteng-Ababio reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to regional cooperation, stating that ecological and environmental considerations must take precedence over short-term economic interests.

He strongly defended the current location of the Kumasi Zoo, describing it as a vital green space that meets global urban planning standards.

On land reclamation, the Chairman proposed a collaborative approach that includes community involvement while avoiding any perception of legitimizing illegal mining.

He called for a revamp of the Forest Guards Unit, advocating for the recruitment of younger and more active personnel, and proposed permanent security presence in reclaimed areas to deter renewed illegal activities.

He suggested that containerized housing units could be used to accommodate deployed personnel.

Professor Oteng-Ababio further raised alarms over illegal mining and quarrying near the Barekese Dam, warning of the severe threats these activities pose to water security and the environment.

He called for swift intervention from the Regional Minister to preserve the integrity of the dam, which serves as a crucial water source for the Ashanti Region.

In a frank appeal, the Chairman decried alleged interference in the fight against illegal mining by certain government officials and urged the Minister to advocate for collective action among public officeholders to uphold environmentally responsible mining practices.

Dr. Hugh Brown, Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, closed the meeting by expressing appreciation for the warm reception and continued support from the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the region to achieve sustainable forest and environmental management.

The visit underscored the Forestry Commission’s renewed commitment to forging strong alliances with local authorities and traditional leadership to combat environmental degradation and promote responsible natural resource governance in the Ashanti Region.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith