Armah Buah Orders Forestry CEO To Reverse 107 Timber Concessions He Gave Covering Protected Areas
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has issued a strong directive suspending and revoking all Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) within Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs) across the country issued by new CEO of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown.
The decision comes amidst reports which suggest the CEO had deliberately issued those contracts to his Pro-NPP cronies and also boasted to staff that John Mahama appointed because he is a professional and not to do NDC bidding.
The Acting CEO who was first appointed by President Akufo-Addo in 2022 as a deputy CEO was elevated to the main CEO by President John Mahama under circumstances NDC insiders say was “very strange and shocking”.
Some stakeholders and party apparatchiks remain doubtful about the Commission’s direction under Dr. Brown.
The forestry sector, critical to Ghana’s economy and environmental sustainability, faces renewed scrutiny under the leadership of Dr. Brown as allegations of questionable permits and decisions surface.
Sources told MyNewsGh.com the CEO has declared he is not in office to “please anybody” and that he got his appointment from John Mahama by merit.
However, in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, the sector Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, ordered the immediate halt of all timber-related operations in declassified GSBAs and revoked all previously granted contracts in these ecologically sensitive zones.
The directive follows reports that some timber firms had been issued letters requesting payment of Timber Rights Fees (TRF) for concessions situated within protected GSBAs; areas 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 letter stated.
As part of the directive, the Forestry Commission is to:
1. Immediately suspend all timber activities in the affected areas.
2. Revoke all existing TUCs within GSBAs.
3. Submit a full compliance report to the Ministry within seven working days.
4. Forward all future applications for timber rights (whether in plantations or natural forests) to the Minister for approval.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah stressed the need for “utmost urgency” and “strict enforcement” of the directive to protect the country’s endangered forest reserves. The Ministry also indicated that a list of the declassified GSBAs had been attached for reference and implementation.
.
