The Forestry Commission (FC) has inaugurated a Working Group to develop Ghana’s Forest Protection Strategy (GFPS), a comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening forest governance and addressing escalating forest infractions nationwide.
The ceremony, held at the FC Boardroom, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), academia, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, security agencies, development partners, members of the FC Board, the Executive Management Team, and staff of the Commission.
In his address, the Chief Executive of the FC, Dr. Hugh Brown, described the initiative as both timely and imperative. He noted that the development of the GFPS has become crucial in light of the increasingly aggressive nature of forest-related offences confronting the Commission and the country in recent years. He cited persistent challenges including poaching, illegal logging and mining, regulatory breaches, and growing lawlessness within forest reserves, particularly in the Western North and Ashanti Regions.
Dr. Brown emphasised that the Group’s mandate extends beyond drafting a policy document to designing a comprehensive and enforceable framework to protect Ghana’s forests. He explained that the Strategy will harmonise relevant legislation, strengthen licensing and monitoring systems, and deepen inter-agency collaboration to address institutional gaps. He expressed confidence in the Team’s capacity to produce an evidence-based plan capable of reversing forest degradation, safeguarding critical watersheds, and securing sustainable ecological and economic benefits for the nation.
The event featured a formal introduction of the Working Group,comprising experts from diverse disciplines and key sectors. The multidisciplinary composition of the Group reflects a wealth of professional experience and technical competence, positioning it to develop a comprehensive, strategic, and progressive Forest Protection Strategy for the Country.
The Wirking Group is chaired by Mr. Yaw Kwakye, Director of Operations (Natural Forest) at the Forest Services Division (FSD),FC. Other members include Mr. Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director, Arocha Ghana; Dr. Elizabeth Obeng, CSIR, Forestry Research Institute of Ghana; Prof. Winston Asante, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); Mrs. Valarie Fumey Nassah,Director of Operations, Plantation, ,FSD; Mr. Yaw Atuahene Nyako, Director , Resource Management Support Center, FC, and Mr. Enoch Amasa Ashie, Director of Operations, Wildlife Division, FC.
Also serving on the Group are: Mr. Daniel Nsowah, Chief Planning Officer, MLNR; Dr. Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Kotiah- Security Expert; Mr. Mawuli Doe, Director of Operations, Timber Industry Development Division, FC; Dr. Joseph Appiah Gyapong, Acting (Ag.) Director, Climate Change Unit, FC; Barima Kwasi Ahenkorah Abrokwah II, Chief of Akyem Abompeh, Representative National House of Chiefs (Stand in for the Okyenhene- Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II); and Mr. Samuel Danso, Forest Planning and Protection Manager Samartex Timber and Plywood Company Limited, Representative Timber Trade & Industry.
Delivering the inauguration address, the Board Chairman of the FC, Mr. Isaac Essien, who also served as chairman of the day’s events, described the initiative as a significant milestone in Ghana’s environmental governance. He underscored the ecological, economic and cultural importance of the country’s forests, noting their critical role in water security, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and national development.
Mr. Essien recalled that Ghana’s forest reservation system was once regarded among the most effective in Africa but lamented that in recent decades forest reserves have come under intense pressure from illegal mining, logging, encroachment, wildfires and weak land-use planning. He stressed that the prevailing situation demands urgent, strategic and coordinated action that goes beyond reactive enforcement.
“Forest protection cannot be the responsibility of the Forestry Commission alone,” he stated, calling for a citizen-centred and nationally owned strategy built on collective responsibility. With this, he formally declared the Drafting Team duly inaugurated.
Speaking on behalf of the Working Group, Mr. Kwakye reaffirmed their commitment to delivering on the national assignment and expressed appreciation to the Board Chairman and the Chief Executive for the opportunity to serve. While acknowledging the demanding nature of the task, he noted that it was achievable given the Group’ s diverse expertise. He assured stakeholders that the process would be consultative and inclusive, and pledged that despite the 12-month timeline, the group would work diligently to produce a comprehensive and timely Forest Protection Strategy.
The forthcoming Strategy is expected to adopt a multifaceted approach to halting Ghana’s deforestation through accelerated reforestation, targeted legal reforms, strengthened enforcement, enhanced community participation and landscape restoration. It will also intensify efforts to curb illegal logging and mining while promoting sustainable, community-based forest management systems.
The ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photograph, symbolising renewed unity and shared commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s forest and wildlife resources
