Forestry Commission Investing in Technical Workforce to Deliver on Reforestation and FLEGT Goals – CEO
The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, says the Commission is making deliberate investments in technical training to build the workforce needed to sustain Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources.
Speaking at the 3rd matriculation ceremony of the Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC) at Akyawkrom, Ejisu, Dr Brown said the Certificate in Natural Resources Management (CNRM) Programme is a “strategic investment” to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its expanding mandate.
“The Programme is a strategic investment in strengthening the technical capacity required to deliver the FC’s expanding mandate in forest governance, biodiversity conservation, landscape restoration and national reforestation,” he stated.
Eighty-four students were matriculated into the 18-month programme, which is affiliated to the University of Energy and Natural Resources, UENR, Sunyani. The ceremony was attended by traditional leaders, FC Board members, UENR faculty, FC staff, and representatives from FORIG.
Dr Brown linked the training drive to recent achievements by the Commission, including the planting of more than 30 million tree seedlings under the 2025 Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
He also cited Ghana becoming the first country in Africa to issue Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences for legally verified timber exports to the EU, and intensified efforts to combat illegal mining in forest reserves.
He disclosed that 232 students have been enrolled in the CNRM Programme since it started in 2023.
For the 2026 cohort, the Commission is subsidising about 60 per cent of tuition fees and fully sponsoring the tuition and accommodation of nine staff members.
“Fifty graduates from past intakes have already been engaged by the Commission on a contract basis, pending financial clearance for permanent employment,” he added.
Representing the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Prof. Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma said the Ministry is collaborating with the Commission and the Ministry of Finance to secure financial clearance for the permanent employment of graduates.
Dean of UENR’s School of Natural Resources, Prof. Daniel Akoto Sarfo, who spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, said the competency-based programme combines classroom and field training to equip students to tackle illegal logging, wildfires, illegal mining, land degradation and climate change.
Acting Director of FCTC, Mr Richard K. Ninnoni, Esq., said 84 students were admitted from 185 applicants, with a record 34 females making up 40 per cent of the cohort. He appealed for support to acquire a bus and build hostel facilities.
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