Timber Industry Hails Mahama’s Appointment Of Brown As FC CEO

 Major stakeholders in the Timber Industry have given President John Dramani Mahama thumbs up for the appointment of Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, a former Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD) as the new Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission.

Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown currently holds PhD in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources from the 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 and rose to become the Director, Plantations, Forest Services Division and later Executive Director, Forest Services Division.

He has won several professional awards including; 2020 Yale Prospect Street Award for environmental leadership – Yale School of the Environment, Yale University (10th October 2020) and thus gained international recognition.

The stakeholders described Dr. Brown as a professional Forester with over 30 years’ experience in tropical forest management, protection and development whose expertise and experience in forestry management, they believe, will help steer the timber industry and the Forestry Commission in the right direction.

The 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 and expressed their gratitude to the President for making a thoughtful and informed decision.

According to Nana Adu Bonsra, a timber merchant, who spoke to the press in Kumasi, Dr. Brown’s appointment demonstrates President Mahama’s commitment to the development of the forestry sector.

The industry key players noted that the Forestry Commission plays a crucial role in managing Ghana’s forests to ensure a sustainable timber production and promotion of eco-tourism.

With Dr Hugh Brown at the helm, the Commission is expected to implement effective policies and strategies to achieve the desired goals.

The stakeholders pledged their support for the new CEO and the Forestry Commission and said the timber industry looks forward to a brighter future under Dr. Hugh Brown’s leadership, adding “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.

The President of Ghana Timber Association (GTA), Mr. Alex Dadzie, has also described the President’s appointment as the most excellent appointment towards 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 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 a qualified forester who will deliver on his mandate.” he stated.

In a related development, Form Ghana, a reforestation company, developing timber plantation in the Ashanti and Brong Regions in a statement, praised 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 expressed  confidence  that Dr. 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.

Meanwhile, the Forest Plantation Timber Exporters and Loggers Association believed that appointing someone from the sector to lead it 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.

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