The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has urged the Forestry Commission to adopt a commercial approach to reduce reliance on government subvention and enhance operational efficiency. This directive aligns with the government’s broader reset agenda, aimed at making the Commission more self-sustaining and effective.
The Minister issued this call during a working visit to the Forestry Commission on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, where he charged management and staff to realign their operations with the government’s vision. Addressing the staff, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the Commission’s critical role in national development, stating: “Your job is so critical—it goes to the heart of what Ghana is. Without you, there is no Ghana.”
After highlighting the Commission’s strategic importance, he encouraged staff to fully embrace President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, promising rewards for hard work while cautioning against sabotage.
The Minister also acknowledged key challenges facing the Commission, including illegal mining and logging, and stressed the need for the Commission to uphold the commitments made by President Mahama during the 2025 campaign.
“The government, led by President Mahama, campaigned to Reset Ghana. At the Forestry Commission, this means executing our duties with integrity, commitment, and hard work. We have brought the Resetting Ghana agenda here,” he declared.
As the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah pledged to advocate in Parliament for a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to unlock funding for the Commission. This, he noted, would bolster efforts to protect Ghana’s environment and support global climate action.
A key highlight of his address was the commercialization of some Commission activities to improve revenue generation. “We must fast-track the formation of a commercial arm for the Forestry Commission. If 50 years ago, the Commission was seen as a charity, today—under the Reset Agenda—we must treat our work as a business,” he asserted.
He called for renewed energy and innovation within the Commission to attract competent youth and investors, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In a presentation to the Minister, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown outlined key achievements chalked since in the last quarter since Hon. Buah assumed office; Seizure of 101 excavators (with six decommissioned), Confiscation of three bulldozers and six pick-ups and the Arrest of 76 individuals involved in illegal activities.
Mr. Brown also highlighted the success of the Tree4Life initiative and assured the Minister of the Commission’s full cooperation with the Ministry to fulfill its mandate.
