As part of the 2025 Health Week celebrations, Human Resources Department of the Forestry Commission (FC), rolled out a series of wellness activities under the theme “Greening Our Environment, Healthy Forests, Healthy People: A Sustainable Future.”
A key highlight was a two-day comprehensive health screening exercise aimed at promoting a healthier workforce and lifestyle which was held at the Commission’s auditorium.The screening was conducted by medical professionals from Health Web. Staff underwent a variety of checks, including Full Blood Count (FBC), blood sugar levels, Liver Function Tests (LFT), Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, eye examinations, dental checks, blood pressure monitoring, kidney function and general health indicators.
The initiative was warmly welcomed by staff, many of whom expressed appreciation to the HR Department for prioritizing employee health. Several pledged their continued support for similar initiatives in the future, especially during the annual Health Week observances.
Complementing the screenings was an engaging health talk session with presentations on stress management, posture, and oral hygiene. Dr. Paulina Opoku Abankwah from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital touched on stress and its impact on productivity. She encouraged regular exercise, hydration, and breathing techniques as coping strategies. Mr. Elikem William Sorkpah of the Chiropractic and Wellness Centre emphasised proper posture and offered practical advice on spinal alignment and movement during working hours. Dr. George Merkel Abuah and his team from Zoe Dental capped the session with valuable oral health tips, urging staff to adopt proper brushing techniques, flossing, and limit sugar intake.
To encourage participation and boost morale, there was “Rep Your Jersey” Day, where staff proudly wore jerseys of their favorite football clubs. She showcases their affinities to Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea Arsenal, to mention a few. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and team spirit as colleagues took photos and shared in the day’s fun.
Other activities to the week’s vibrant energy was the “Rep Your School” initiative. Staff arrived at the office dressed in uniforms and traditional attire representing their various alma maters, sparking conversations and fostering connections. This was followed by fruit exchange, symbolising healthy living and kindness.
The excitement continued with “FC Goes Old Skul”, where employees dressed in vintage 80s and 90s fashion, stockings, hand gloves, beads, “kaba and slit”, wide legged trousers and afro wigs. A quiz competition was held later in the day, among the various divisions. The Corporate Division emerged winners, followed by the Wildlife Division (WD), Forest Services Division (FSD), and Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) respectively. There was also a barbecue after-party which allowed staff to relax and unwind.
The health week-long activities were climaxed with a health walk and games, which began at the entrance of the Forestry Commission Head Office through to Okponglo then finally the Mensah Sabbah Hall field at University of Ghana, Legon, for the fun games. During the walk, participating staff held up placards which had messages that addresses illegal mining “galamsey”, Forest and Animal Protection, forest illegalities and others that project the vision and mission of the Commission.
The event was graced by the presence of the Acting Chief Executive (CE), Dr. Hugh C.A Brown; the Acting Deputy CE, Mr. Eric Elikem Kevin Kotoko and the Acting Director HR, Dr. Gordon Sarfo-Adu.
In the end, the trophy presentation crowned the day. The WD, having dominated multiple events, was declared the overall winner. Corporate took the second place, FSD and TIDD placed third and fourth respectively.
