As part of its nationwide regional tour, the newly constituted Board of the Forestry Commission (FC) paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Honourable Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to officially introduce the members and brief him on their presence in the Region for official engagements. The visit took place as part of the Board’s effort to foster strong collaboration between the Commission and key regional stakeholders in the fight against deforestation, illegal mining, and to promote sustainable forest management.
Leading the delegation was the Chairman of the Board, Professor Martin Oteng-Ababio, alongside Dr. Hugh Brown, Acting Chief Executive of the Commission, and other distinguished members including Dr. Abukari Nantogmah Attah Esq.; Surveyor Raphael Hokey Esq.;Dr. Richard Duah Nsenkyire; Mr. Tetteh Hevy-Oman; Kumbun Naa Yiri II; Mr. Dominic Kwasi Nyanzu; Hon. Mavis Kukuaa Bissue; Brig. Gen. (Rtd.) Dr. Albert Adu, and Mr.Kojo Toku . The Board was formally introduced by Lawyer Dennis Osei-Hwere, Esq., the Commission’s Legal Director and Board Secretary.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Dr. Amoakohene congratulated the Board members on their appointments and commended the Forestry Commission for its dedication to protecting Ghana’s natural resources. He took the opportunity to draw attention to key issues affecting the Ashanti Region. These included calls for the relocation of the Kumasi Zoo due to urban development pressures, the need for enhanced protection of reclaimed lands around Lake Bosomtwe and Atwea mountains, and the importance of effective and symbolic land reclamation practices following illegal mining operations.
Responding to these concerns, Prof. Oteng-Ababio emphasised the Commission’s commitment to supporting regional initiatives. He defended the current location of the Kumasi Zoo, noting its alignment with global standards for urban green spaces. He stressed that ecological and environmental values should not be sacrificed for commercial gain.
Regarding the protection of reclaimed areas and the Atwea reclamation initiative, the Chairman expressed readiness to partner with the Region in developing a long-term, structured strategy that includes community involvement but avoids legitimising illegal mining. He also highlighted on the need to strengthen the Forest Guards Unit with younger, more active recruits, and recommended permanent deployment of security personnel in cleared areas to deter further “galamsey” activities. Basic accommodation, such as the use of shipping containers, were suggested to support this effort.
Prof. Oteng-Ababio also raised a major concern on the increasing threat to the Barekese Dam from nearby illegal quarrying and mining operations. He warned of the potential environmental and water security risks, calling for urgent intervention from the Regional Minister to preserve the dam as a critical water source for the Region.
In a candid moment, the Chairman expressed disappointment over reported interference by some government officials in illegal mining activities. He urged the Minister to advocate among his colleagues for compliance with government-sanctioned, environmentally responsible mining operations.
The visit concluded with remarks from the Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, who thanked the Honourable Regional Minister for his hospitality and expressed gratitude for the support the Commission continues to receive from the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council. He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to working closely with the Minister and other stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management and protection
