Stakeholders in the Timber Industry are celebrating President John Dramas Mahama’s appointment of Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown as the new Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission.
Dr Hugh Brown, a professional forester, previously served as the Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD).
These stakeholders highlighted Dr Brown’s expertise and experience in forestry management. They believe 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.
Details:
According to one of the Timber Merchants , Nana Adu Bonsra who spoke to the press in Kumasi, he said Dr Brown’s appointment demonstrates President Mahama’s commitment to the development of the forestry sector.
They expressed their gratitude to the President for making a thoughtful and informed decision.
The Forestry Commission plays a crucial role in managing Ghana’s forests, ensuring sustainable timber production, and promoting eco-tourism.
With Dr Hugh Brown at the helm, the commission is expected to implement effective policies and strategies to achieve these goals.
Prospects:
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 Chief Executive to help protect forest reserves from illegal miners and illegal chainsaw operators who have been degrading forest resources.
Ghana Timber Association (GTA):
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 politicizing 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 give morale to 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 plantation in the Ashanti and Brong 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 Mr Brown with his passion and knowledge for 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 believed appointing someone from the sector to lead is very important for the growth of the sector and this shows that the sector has a bright 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 of him.
Profile of Dr Hugh Brown:
Dr Hugh C.A Brown is a Professional forester with over 30 years’ experience in tropical forest management, protection
and development.
Has acquired over 20 years’ hands-on experience in planning, implementing and coordinating development projects within the forestry sector.
A strategic thinker with strong
communication, analytical and decision-making skills.
Highly motivated, results-oriented with strong team building, mentoring and interpersonal skills.
He currently holds PhD. – Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources from University of Helsinki , Finland.
The New Chief Executive started as District Manager at Bekwai, Kade and Offinso.He became the Operations Manager, Plantations Department of Forest Services Division.
Work Experience:
At some point, he rosed to become the Director, Plantations, Forest Services Division and later Executive Director, Forest Services Division.
Awards:
He has worn several professional awards and gained recognition and these include 2020 Yale Prospect Street Award for environmental leadership – Yale School of the Environment, Yale University. (10th October 2020)
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
