Stakeholders in the Timber Industry are celebrating President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown as the new CEO of the Forestry Commission.
Dr Hugh Brown, a professional forester, previously served as the Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD).
The stakeholders are highlighting Dr Brown’s expertise and experience in forestry management, convinced that his appointment will steer the timber industry and the Forestry Commission in the right direction.
Timber merchants from Ashanti, Western, Western North and Ahafo regions are optimistic that the new Chief Executive’s leadership will not only boost the industry but also contribute to the country’s economic growth.
According to one of the timber merchants, Nana Adu Bonsra who spoke to the press in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Dr Brown’s appointment demonstrates President Mahama’s commitment to the development of the forestry sector.
He expressed the merchants’ gratitude to the president for making the ‘thoughtful and informed’ decision.
The Forestry Commission is tasked with the crucial role of managing Ghana’s forests, ensuring sustainable timber production, and promoting eco-tourism and with Dr Hugh Brown at the helm, the industry players say they expect the Commission to implement effective policies and strategies to achieve these goals.
As the timber industry looks forward to a brighter future under Dr Hugh Brown’s leadership, the merchants have pledged their support for the new CEO and the Forestry Commission.
They are confident that together, they can drive growth, create jobs, and contribute to Ghana’s economic development.
They appealed to the new CEO to help protect forest reserves from illegal miners and illegal chainsaw operators who have been degrading forest resources.
Ghana Timber Association
The President of Ghana Timber Association, Mr Alex Dadzie has also described the President’s appointment as the most excellent appointment done to improving forest management and the timber industry.
Mr Dadzie said politicising the Commission was one of the reasons illegal loggers and miners invaded the forest reserves and with this appointment, he was of the strong conviction that it will boost the morale of other officials to work to curtail the menace.
“The President has done the best for the industry and I am very sure Dr Brown is a law-abiding gentleman and I know he is going to perform. He is not going to disgrace the President and the staff because he is a forester,” he stated.
Statement from Form Ghana
Form Ghana, a reforestation company developing timber plantations in the Ashanti and Bono regions has issued a statement praising the president’s decision to appoint Dr Hugh Brown as the Chief Executive.
The CEO of Form Ghana Limited, Williem Fourie stated that Dr Hugh Brown’s new task will not be easy as the sector is a complex one but they are confident that, he, with his passion for and knowledge of the industry will achieve the vision of the forestry commission.
“His leadership will have a positive impact on investor confidence that can grow the sector, create employment and grow local rural economies,” Mr Williem Fourie added.
Forest Plantation Timber Exporters and Loggers Association
Forest Timber Plantation Timber Exporters and Loggers Association believe appointing someone from the sector to lead is very important for its growth and that the development points to a brighter future.
The president of the association, Mr Kofi Asante said Dr Hugh Brown has been a member of the sector so with this new role, he will be able to deliver as expected.
About Dr Hugh Brown
Dr Hugh C.A Brown is a professional forester with over 30 years’ experience in tropical forest management, protection, and development.
He currently holds PhD. – Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources from University of Helsinki, Finland.
The new CEO started as District Manager at Bekwai, Kade and Offinso, and later became the Operations Manager, Plantations Department of Forest Services Division.
At some point, he rose to become the Director, Plantations, Forest Services Division and later Executive Director, Forest Services Division.
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