The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has issued a forceful directive to the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, to immediately suspend and revoke all 107 Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) granted within Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs) across Ghana.
The order follows reports that some timber firms had been issued letters requesting payment of Timber Rights Fees for concessions located within these ecologically sensitive zones, which are globally recognized for their rich biodiversity and ecological value.
“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,” the Minister’s letter stated.
The directive comes amidst scrutiny surrounding the leadership of Dr. Brown, who was recently elevated to the main CEO position by President John Mahama. Concerns have been raised by some stakeholders and within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the circumstances of his appointment and the direction of the Commission under his tenure.
Sources suggest that Dr. Brown had allegedly issued some of these contracts to individuals affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and had reportedly stated he was appointed on merit, not to “please anybody” or serve specific political interests. These allegations have fueled doubts about the Commission’s impartiality and its commitment to environmental protection.
As part of the directive, the Forestry Commission is mandated to undertake the following actions with “utmost urgency” and “strict enforcement”:
- Immediately suspend all timber activities in the affected GSBAs.
- Revoke all existing TUCs within these protected areas.
- Submit a full compliance report to the Ministry within seven working days.
- Forward all future applications for timber rights (whether in plantations or natural forests) to the Minister for approval.
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the critical need to protect Ghana’s endangered forest reserves, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s environmental sustainability. A list of the declassified GSBAs has been provided to the Forestry Commission for reference and immediate implementation.
The forestry sector is vital to Ghana’s economy and environmental well-being. This directive signals a renewed focus on rigorous oversight and accountability to ensure the integrity of the country’s natural resources.