The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has ordered the Acting CEO of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hug Brown, to suspend and revoke all Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) awarded to timber merchants within protected areas for the purpose of harvesting legally sanctioned timber products.
The directive comes at a time the CEO of the Commission is reported to be dishing out contracts to his NPP friends and is believed to have said to staff that his appointment was as a result of his experience and that his position will not be turned into an NDC bidding platform.
The Acting CEO was appointed as a Deputy CEO under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo’s administration in 2022. He was appointed as the Acting CEO by President John Dramani Mahama a move many NDC fanatics believes will harm the party’s political future.
The Forestry Commission which is an important sector to Ghana’s economy has in recent months faced harsh criticisms and has been subjected to intense scrutiny under the leadership of Dr. Brown who have been accused of prioritizing his interest above that of the Commission amid allegations of dubious permits and transfers.
Rumours have it that the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission has boldly emphasized that he is not in office to please anyone and that his appointment which came from the Presidency was based on merit.
But, in a letter addressed to him (Dr. Hug Brown), the Sector Minister has mandated the immediate suspension of all timber operations in Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs) nationwide and the annulment of all previously sanctioned contracts in those areas.
The order comes at a time where some timber firms have reported to have received letters requesting payment of Timber Rights Fees (TRF) for concessions located within the GSBAs.
The letter read in part: “In view of the above, I write to formally direct, with immediate effect, the suspension and revocation of all Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) that have been granted within Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas across the country until further notice”.
To this effect, the Commission is to:
1. Put an immediate stop to all wood-related operations in the impacted regions
2. Revoke all currents contacts within protected areas
3. Submit a well-thought-out plan to the Ministry highlighting measures put in place to mitigate the situation within 7 working business days
4. Submit all forthcoming applications for wood rights, regardless of whether they pertain to plantations or natural forests, to the Minister for approval.
The Minister highlighted the need for urgent adherence to the laid down directives to protect the country’s threatened forest reserves.
