The Acting Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission (FC), Mr. Elikem Eric Kevin Kotoko and Managing Director, Tullow Ghana, Mr. Jean-Medard Madama, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Tuobodom, Nana Agyei Kokoo Takyi Firi and his elders at the Tuobodom Palace. The visit formed part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the Forestry Commission and the Tuobodom community, while also reinforcing local support for the FC/Tullow REDD+ Project in the Bono and Bono East Regions.
Mr. Kotoko was accompanied by a delegation comprising officials from both the Forestry Commission and Tullow Ghana, who were on a field mission to assess progress made under the Project in the Region. Upon arrival at the Tuobodom Palace, the Deputy Chief Executive and his team were warmly received by Nana Amoako Amankwaa Tetrete I, Akwamuhene of the Tuobodom Traditional Council, who welcomed them on behalf of the Chief.
Expressing his appreciation, Nana Tetrete I noted the community’s growing awareness of the realities of climate change, as reflected even in recent weather patterns in the community. He assured the delegation of the community’s readiness to support the initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kotoko highlighted the critical role of the Tuobodom Chief, who has been nominated by the Regional House of Chiefs to serves on the Project’s Steering Committee. He acknowledged the positive feedback from the Tullow Ghana team, following their site visit and expressed gratitude to the Chief of Tuobodom for his leadership and support. “Our main hope now is for the rains to come in, to aid the growth of the trees we have planted,” he stated. He, however, mentioned bushfires, some of which are caused by Fulani herdsmen as persistent threats, but remained optimistic that, with the Chief’s influence and the community’s involvement, those challenges could be surmounted.
In a brief remark, Mr. Jean Medard Madama, Managing Director of Tullow Ghana, commended the Tuobodom leadership and residents for their commitment and called for continued support to ensure the Project’s success.
During the interaction, the Chief’s linguist, Charles Takyi, and the Nifahene, Nana Owusu Ankomah Tintin II, raised pertinent questions on tree planting, the availability of seedlings, and the registration of planted trees. These concerns were addressed by Mrs. Valerie Fumey-Nassah, Director of Operations, Plantations Department, Forest Services Division at the Forestry Commission.
Following the palace visit, Mr. Kotoko proceeded to the Bono Regional Office of the Forest Services Division, where he met briefly with the Regional Manager, Mr. David Kwaku Appiagyei, and his team. Mr. Appiagyei took the opportunity to share operational challenges and sought guidance from the Deputy Chief Executive.
In response, Mr. Kotoko reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Region and encouraged the management not to hesitate in reaching out for assistance. “My doors are always open,” he assured.
Among the delegation that paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Tuobodom included Dr. Joseph Appiah–Gyapong, Acting Director of the Climate Change Unit; Mrs. Valerie Fumey Nassah, Director of Operations, Plantations, FSD; Mr. Thomas Gyambrah and Mr. Charles Sarpong Duah, both Managers at the Climate Change Unit; Mr. David Appiagyei, Regional Manager for Bono East and other staff of the Forestry Commission and Tullow Oil Plc – Mary Daisie Gyenfie, Snr. Carbon Offset Advisor and Mr. Allan George Lassey, Snr. Government Relations Advisor.
