Stakeholders in the timber industry have hailed President John Dramani Mahama for appointing a professional forester, Dr Hugh C.A Brown, as the new Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission.
With Dr Brown’s expertise and experience in forestry management, the group in a statement copied The Ghanaian Times, believe that his appointment will steer the timber industry and the Forestry Commission in the right direction.
The stakeholders are timber merchants from Ashanti, Western, Western North and Ahafo Regions, the Ghana Timber Association, Forest Timber Plantation Exporters and Loggers Association, and Form Ghana Limited.
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.
According Nana Adu Bonsra, a timber merchants, the appointment of Dr Brown demonstrates President Mahama’s commitment to the development of the forestry sector, expressing gratitude to the President for making a “thoughtful and informed decision.”
“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,” he stated.
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, Mr Alex Dadzie, also described the President’s appointment as “the most excellent appointment” done to 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 in order 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 noted.
Timber Exporters and Loggers Association, on its part 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.
The CEO of Form Ghana limited, Williem Fourie, stated that Dr Hugh Brown’s new task would 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.
The Forestry Commission plays a crucial role in managing Ghana’s forests, ensuring sustainable timber production, and promoting eco-tourism.
With Dr Brown at the helm, the commission is expected to implement effective policies and strategies to achieve these goals.
About Dr Hugh Brown
Dr Brown is a professional forester with over 30 years’ experience in tropical forest management, protection and development, holds PhD. in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources from University of Helsinki, Finland.
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.
Dr Brown, previously served as the Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD).
The New Chief Executive started as District Manager at Bekwai, Kade and Offinso. He became the Operations Manager, Plantations Department of Forest Services Division.
At some point, he rose to become the Director, Plantations, Forest Services Division and later Executive Director, Forest Services Division.
He has won several professional awards and gained recognition, and these include 2020 Yale Prospect Street Award for environmental leadership – Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, October 10, 2020
BY TIMES REPORTER