By Godwill Arthur- Mensah
Accra, April 09, GNA – Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has urged the management of the Forestry Commission to establish a commercial division to increase its revenue mobilisation drive.
He pledged the government’s support to the Commission towards unlocking its commercial potentials including creating ecotourism sites to attract both local and foreign tourists.
“Forestry Commission should start thinking business and make the Commission vibrant and viable to bring money and make young people excited to work here,”Mr. Buah said.
Mr. Buah made these remarks during his maiden working visit to the Commission, in Accra on Wednesday.
He called for a strategic transformation of the Commission, urging the institution to adopt a more commercially-driven approach in line with the government’s resetting agenda.
The Minister underscored the need for the Commission to move beyond its traditional operational models and embrace innovation, efficiency, and revenue generation measures while staying committed to its core mandate of protecting the country’s forests and wildlife resources.
“Under the reset agenda, the Forestry Commission must start thinking business,” Mr. Buah stated, emphasising the importance of balancing commercial viability with sustainable environmental practices.
He encouraged the staff to honour the Commission’s heritage through a renewed sense of purpose and productivity and preserve its long-standing legacy since 1909.
Mr. Buah outlined key priorities, including intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining and timber logging, improve staff remuneration, and creating an attractive working environment for young professionals.
He gave an assurance that the Mahama-led administration would back the Commission with the necessary legislation and financial support to drive its transformation agenda.
Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, the acting Chief Executive Officer of Forestry Commission, on behalf of the management and staff, pledged to support the government’s vision to resetting the Commission on the path of growth and prosperity.
GNA
BM