Excerpt
The Forestry Commission of Ghana is a governmental agency under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, tasked with the regulation, conservation, and management of the nation’s forest and wildlife resources. Established in accordance with Chapter 21, Article 269, sub-section 1 of the 1992 Constitution, the Commission was reconstituted by Act 571 of 1999 to consolidate various public bodies responsible for forest and wildlife management.
Constitutional Mandates
The Commission’s primary mandate includes regulating the utilization of forest and wildlife resources, ensuring their conservation and sustainable management, and coordinating related policies.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The Forestry Commission operates through several divisions and centers:
Forest Services Division (FSD):
- Manages forest resources, focusing on protection, harvesting, and sustainable development.
Wildlife Division:
- Oversees wildlife conservation and management across Ghana.
Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD):
- Regulates and promotes the timber industry, ensuring compliance with standards.
Forestry Commission Training Center:
- Provides training and capacity-building programs.
Resource Management Support Centre:
- Offers technical support and research for resource management.
Leadership roles within the Commission are structured hierarchically, with positions such as Chief Executive Officer, divisional directors, and various managerial ranks overseeing specific functions.
Recruitment and Career Development
The Forestry Commission has established a comprehensive scheme of service that outlines frameworks for recruitment, promotions, and career development. This scheme ensures transparent and merit-based progression for employees
Oversight and Partnerships
The Commission operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. It collaborates with various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, international partners, and local communities, to achieve its objectives.
Operations and Job Roles
The Commission’s operations encompass a wide range of activities, including forest conservation, wildlife protection, timber industry regulation, and community engagement. Job roles within the Commission vary from technical positions, such as forest rangers and wildlife officers, to administrative and managerial roles.
Historical Reforms
- Significant reforms include the re-establishment of the Commission in 1999 under Act 571, which unified various agencies responsible for forest and wildlife management to enhance efficiency and policy coordination.
Reference
- https://mlnr.gov.gh/index.php/forestry-commission/
- https://newsite.fcghana.org/about-fsd/
- https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Forestry-Commission-launches-scheme-of-service-386845
- https://fcghana.org/introduction-and-function/
- https://fcghana.org/
- https://fcghana.org/current-recruitment/
- https://ghanadmission.com/forestry-commission-recruitment/
- https://www.ghana.gov.gh/mdas/e95c148742/
- https://www.ghana.gov.gh/mdas/e95c148742/apply/
- https://mlnr.gov.gh/index.php/forestry-commission/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forestry_Commission_%28Ghana%29