The Forestry Commission (FC) hosted students from the University of Cape Coast, George Washington University, and University of Ghana for an educational visit.
Prof. Austin Dziwornu Ablo, a lecturer from the University of Ghana, thanked the Chief Executive and Management Team of the Forestry Commission for the warm welcome. He explained that the purpose of the visit was to help students interact with professionals and stakeholders involved in forest conservation and climate change policies. He also suggested that the Forestry Commission work closely with the universities by providing resource persons to deliver practical policy-based lectures to students from time to time.
Mr. Kwame Agyei, speaking on behalf of Dr. Gordon Kofi Sarfo Adu, Executive Director, FSD, gave a presentation on the Forest Services Division (FSD). He spoke about the division’s legal mandate; vision and mission; departments and units; strategic objectives, and ongoing projects. He also presented on a map of forest reserves in Ghana.
Mr. Joseph Binlinla, Operations Manager, WD. gave a presentation on behalf of Dr. Joseph Boakye, Executive Director, WD. He spoke about the establishment of the Wildlife Department in 1994; its legal mandate; objectives; departments and units; protected areas, and coastal Ramsar sites. He also displayed a map showing protected areas in the country and discussed ongoing projects.
Mr. Eric Abbey Quaye, Operations Manager presented on behalf of Dr. Richard Gyimah, Executive Director, TIDD. He discussed the legal mandate of the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD). its departments and units; Area offices; objectives; ongoing projects, and operational challenges.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Richard Gyimah spoke on behalf of the Chief Executive, Dr. Hugh Brown. He thanked the students and facilitators from the various universities for their participation and interest in learning about the work of the Forestry Commission. He encouraged them to continue protecting the environment and wished them success in their future endeavors.
The session ended with an interactive question-and-answer discussion. Students from the University of Cape Coast presented a citation to the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission. Students from George Washington University and the University of Ghana visited the Shai Hills Resource Reserve for an educational tour, while students from the University of Cape Coast visited the Accra Zoological Garden for educational purposes.