In a move aimed at strengthening ties between the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and its agencies, Hon. Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister responsible for Lands and Forestry, paid a working visit to the Eastern Regional Forest Service and Wildlife Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
The visit marked a crucial step towards ensuring informed decision-making and improving forestry management in the region, which is crucial to the country’s efforts in sustainable forest conservation and wildlife protection.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Konadu highlighted the importance of strengthening the relationship between the Ministry and its agencies, emphasizing that the trip was part of broader efforts to familiarize himself with the operational activities on the ground.
“I am here to familiarize myself with the operations of the Division and strengthen the bond between the Ministry and its Agencies,” he remarked.
The visit not only signalled the Ministry’s commitment to forestry operations in the Eastern Region but also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to working with stakeholders in preserving the country’s natural resources.
Operational Challenges and Successes
During the visit, Mr. Noble Eshun, the Regional Manager of the Forest Service Division (FSD), gave an overview of the division’s operational activities, noting both achievements and challenges.
According to Mr. Eshun, despite exceeding their targets last year, the division continues to grapple with critical issues such as inadequate staffing and office logistics. Another pressing concern is the growing encroachment of forest reserves by farmers, which threatens to undermine conservation efforts.
“In as much as we have exceeded our targets, these challenges—particularly staffing shortages and logistical constraints—are impeding our capacity to fully protect and preserve the forests”.
Mr. Noble Eshun, the Regional Manager of the Forest Service Division (FSD)
Wildlife Division’s Capacity Needs
Similarly, Mr. Moses Anongura, the Regional Manager of the Wildlife Division, outlined several areas where further support was needed.
These include improving the supervision of protected areas and zoos, building the division’s capacity for wildlife management, and securing land for a proposed zoo in the New Juaben North District.
The establishment of a new zoo, he noted, would be a significant step forward in promoting wildlife conservation and education in the region.
“We need additional resources to enhance the management of protected areas and zoos, as well as support for establishing a new zoo in the New Juaben North District, which will promote conservation and educational initiatives”.
Mr. Moses Anongura, the Regional Manager of the Wildlife Division
Assurance of Government Support
Responding to the above concerns raised, Hon. Konadu reassured both the Forest and Wildlife divisions that the Ministry would address their challenges, particularly in providing much-needed logistics.
He emphasized that motivated staff—both in the field and in office environments—are critical to achieving the Ministry’s objectives for forest and wildlife management.
“We will ensure that logistics are provided to motivate staff both on the field and in the office. Your work is key to the preservation of our natural resources, and the Ministry is committed to addressing the challenges you face”.
Hon. Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry
This pledge of support signals a renewed focus on strengthening the operational capacity of the Forestry Commission’s regional branches, which play a pivotal role in managing Ghana’s forest resources and wildlife reserves.
Supporting the Green Ghana Initiative
On the sidelines of the working tour, Hon. Konadu also visited the Ministry of Roads and Highway Training Centre, where he inspected trees planted during the nationwide Green Ghana Day exercise.
The initiative, a cornerstone of Ghana’s reforestation efforts, seeks to restore degraded landscapes across the country by planting millions of trees annually.
During the visit, Mr Daniel Kojo Asare, Principal at the Training Centre, assured the Deputy Minister that the trees planted on Green Ghana Day would be carefully nurtured to maturity.
“We are committed to ensuring that these trees grow and thrive, contributing to the reforestation efforts of the country,” Mr Asare promised.
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