Forestry Commission workers earn praise of Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Nii Osah Mills, has charged workers of the Forestry Commission (FC) to continue working hard to protect and conserve the country's forest reserves and national parks.

Hon. Mills said he recognised the good works of the Commission and urged them not to renege on their responsibility of protecting the natural resource.

“I believe most of you have gone through difficult times in the course of your duties but you continue to work hard. Keep on the good work and do what you can to the best of your ability,” he added.

The Minister made the call recently in Accra at the Annual FC Chief Executive Officer's Briefing and Awards Ceremony.

The event saw the honouring of some workers for their hard work and dedication to work in the year 2014. It was used to highlight the challenges and achievements of the Commission during the year.

In all, 10 workers were rewarded with each of whom taking home a flat screen television set, an accompanying citation and an undisclosed amount of money.

Hon Mills said: “For those who received awards, I'm sure they deserved those awards, especially those who have worked for so many years. I share in all your joy, especially for the achievement made during the year. Going forward, I think there are many things that we can discuss, and there are many more things that I will be doing.”

Giving a rundown of the Commission's programmes and activities, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samuel Afari Dartey, said in order to enhance the human resource capacity, about 30 workers from different divisions and departments, had undergone training in various subjects and fields to upgrade their skills and knowledge for effective work.

In addition, 40 forest guards were also given rapid response training to improve their field of operation.

Mr Dartey said the Commission also paid about Ghc3.5 million as educational grant to staff and Ghc92,743 for workmen's compensation.

He disclosed that the Commission provided special loans to deserving staff members under its loan schemes, which included staff funeral grant of Ghc74,000 and a staff terminal benefit scheme to the tune of Ghc1.4 million.

He said during the Forestry Week Celebration, more than 5,000 seedlings, covering an area of five hectares were planted by media persons and the Commission's staff in Accra, Begoro and other forest divisions in the country.

Mr Dartey said in an effort to maintain and enhance plantation development, the Commission was able to maintain 2,500 hectares of plantation out of the country's total stock of 188,000.

He said a strategic partner had been selected to assist in developing an eco-tourism facility at the Achimota Park, following cabinet approval.