The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on the Forestry Commission to shift towards a more commercial operational model to reduce its dependence on government subsidies and strengthen its efficiency.
This directive is part of a broader governmental effort to reset national institutions and ensure they become more self-sustaining and impactful.
Speaking during a working visit to the Forestry Commission, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah charged the leadership and staff to align their activities with the new strategic vision of the government under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda.
According to him, the Forestry Commission plays a vital role in national development and must therefore adapt to the changing demands of governance and public service delivery.
“Your job is so critical—it goes to the heart of what Ghana is. Without you, there is no Ghana”.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
His words underscored the intrinsic link between the Commission’s success and the broader ambitions of national economic and environmental sustainability.
The Minister’s message was not just a rallying cry; it also carried a clear warning. While promising recognition and rewards for diligence and innovation, he cautioned staff against any form of sabotage or inertia that could derail the government’s transformational agenda.
The Reset Agenda, he emphasized, is a serious commitment to restoring public confidence in state institutions through hard work, transparency, and a renewed sense of national purpose.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah noted that the forestry sector is confronted with significant challenges, most notably the twin threats of illegal mining (galamsey) and unlawful logging activities.
These problems, he said, have not only degraded the country’s rich forest resources but have also undermined the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems.
Call to Duty
Therefore, the Minister underscored the urgent need for the Forestry Commission to rise to the occasion by demonstrating integrity and commitment in the execution of its mandate.
“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”.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
The Minister further emphasized that the call for a commercial orientation is rooted in the government’s recognition that state agencies can no longer operate solely as administrative bodies reliant on the public purse.
Instead, they must build business models that generate their own revenue streams while maintaining a public service ethos.
For the Forestry Commission, the Minister noted that this could mean expanding initiatives such as commercial forestry plantations, eco-tourism projects, and sustainable timber harvesting programmes that not only conserve biodiversity but also add to national income.
Importantly, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah committed to supporting the Commission at the legislative level.
As the Member of Parliament for the Ellembelle Constituency, he pledged to advocate in Parliament for the passage of a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that would unlock dedicated funding for the Forestry Commission.
According to him, this would ensure that the Commission has the financial muscle to pursue innovative projects without over-reliance on limited central government resources.
The Minister’s visit comes at a time when expectations are high for public sector reforms under President Mahama’s return to power, following a historic election victory in the December 7 2024, general election.
Beyond internal reforms, the Commission is also expected to intensify its engagement with stakeholders, including private sector partners, civil society organizations, and local communities, to build a more resilient and responsive forestry sector.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah made it clear that collaboration would be essential in tackling illegal activities and promoting sustainable forest management.
In closing his remarks, the Minister urged staff to view their roles not merely as jobs but as national duties critical to the survival of future generations.
The forests of Ghana, he noted, are not just natural assets but repositories of the nation’s history, culture, and economic potential, adding that safeguarding them is, therefore, a sacred responsibility.
In a presentation to the Minister, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, outlined key achievements chalked winthin the last quarter since Hon. Buah assumed office.
These, according to him, include the seizure of 101 excavators (with six decommissioned), the confiscation of three bulldozers and six pick-ups and the Arrest of 76 individuals involved in illegal activities.
Dr 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.
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