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, saying, "Without you, there is 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 will do things well with integrity and hard work,” he said.

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

He aims to commercialize some activities of the Commission for better revenue generation. Buah called for more energy and enthusiasm within the organization to attract young talent.

“I want us to fast-track a commercial arm for the Forestry Commission,” he stated. He believes treating their work as a business is essential now.

During his presentation, CEO Hughes Brown shared achievements against illegal mining under his leadership. They have seized 101 excavators, decommissioned six, and arrested 76 individuals. Brown also noted positive outcomes from the Tree4Life initiative.