Lands Minister Directs Forestry Commission To Go Commercial

Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He has urged the Forestry Commission to adopt a commercial approach. This will help reduce reliance on government funding and improve operations.

Buah made this statement during his visit to the Forestry Commission on April 8, 2025. He encouraged management and staff to align their work with the government's reset agenda.

He emphasized the Commission's critical role in Ghana, stating, “Your job is so critical and goes to the heart of what Ghana is.” Without the Commission, he said, there would be no Ghana.

The Minister asked staff to support President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda. He promised rewards for hard work but warned against sabotage.

Buah acknowledged challenges like illegal mining and logging. He stressed that the Commission must commit to President Mahama's campaign promises. “We are going to do things very well,” he stated.

As a Member of Parliament for Ellembelle in the Western Region, Buah pledged to advocate for a Legislative Instrument. This would unlock funds for the Forestry Commission’s environmental protection efforts.

He also aims to commercialize some activities within the Commission for better revenue generation. Buah called for more energy and enthusiasm in attracting young Ghanaians to forestry jobs.

“I’ve said we should fast-track forming a commercial arm,” he noted. He believes treating forestry as a business will enhance its effectiveness.

During his presentation, CEO Hughes Brown shared achievements against illegal mining under his leadership. The Commission has seized 101 excavators, six bulldozers, and arrested 76 individuals.

Brown also mentioned that the Tree4Life initiative is showing positive results for Ghana.