The Forestry Commission is addressing challenges with shortage of frontline technical staff to step up measures in fighting illegal mining and forest degradation.
In recent years, there has been a shortage of persons with technical expertise in natural resource management, impeding the effectiveness of the Commission’s work.
Acting CEO of the Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, has indicated these technical experts will be in position to coordinate efforts to deal with forest destruction.
“We have rapid response teams and forest guards. The rapid response team are led by the technical staff so they will coordinate efforts to protect our forest reserves,” he said.
“With the FLEGT these are going to be officers who will support the timber industry division,” he added.
Mr. Brown spoke on the sidelines of the 2nd Matriculation Ceremony of the Forestry Commission Training Centre.
Between 2001 and 2023, Ghana lost approximately 3.4 percent of its forest cover annually.
Some of the country’s forest reserves are under siege by illegal miners and loggers despite the heightened war waged against the menace.
The Forestry Commission has embarked on some operations to rid the forest reserves of the illegality that has contributed to the depleted reserves, but its staff strength remains an impediment.
Dr. Hugh Brown indicated the need to equip the youth with the needed expertise to help protect the forest reserves.
The Certificate Program in Natural Resources Management Programme has taken in its second batch of students.
A total 81 students of the 330 applicants gained admission with 46 percent of being females.
Director of the Forestry Commission Training Centre, Roselyn Fosuah Adjei is upbeat about the impact of the training program on forest protection.
“As we are all aware of the issues with Galamsey and illegal logging, we can’t take away the fact that we need people who are skilled and dedicated to be at the forest frontiers,” she indicated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has pledged its commitment to addressing logistical challenges of the school.
Special Advisor to the sector minister, Prof. Jerry Kumah read a speech on behalf of the Ministry.
“The Ministry is committed to provide the needed resources to the Forestry Commission Training Center to deliver on its mandate. We will address key infrastructure and logistical needs to ensure optimal delivery of excellence at the center including effective running of this Certificate programme,” he added.
The program is being rolled out by the Forestry Commission Training Center in collaboration with the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
About eighty percent of the cost is absorbed by the Forestry Commission.