Timber contractors call for urgent overhaul of Forestry Commission

The Concerned Timber Contractors of Ghana have issued a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and the current NDC administration to urgently reform the Forestry Commission, warning that Ghana’s timber industry is on the verge of collapse due to persistent policy failures and systemic mismanagement.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Convener of the group, Mr. Bright Kwesi Nkeyasen, called for a comprehensive restructuring of the Commission to align with President Mahama’s broader governance and reform agenda.
“The time has come for a serious reset of the Forestry Commission.
We need bold leadership and clear policy direction to save this critical sector,” Mr. Nkeyasen said.
“We are ready to support the government with all the necessary information and guidance needed to revive the timber industry for the benefit of Ghana.”
Mr. Nkeyasen outlined several challenges confronting the sector, including:
Inconsistent policies and poor regulatory enforcement have created uncertainty and discouraged private investment.
Widespread illegal logging and weak monitoring systems continue to undermine sustainable forest management.
Delays in issuing timber utilisation contracts and permits are frustrating the operations of legitimate contractors.
Lack of transparency and fairness in the allocation of forest resources leads to perceptions of favouritism and corruption.
Neglect of local timber businesses, which are struggling to survive in the face of competition from illegal operators and unfair practices.
He stressed that without urgent intervention, thousands of jobs could be lost and the country’s already-depleted forest reserves could face irreversible damage.
The group urged the government to treat the concerns of timber contractors with urgency and work with stakeholders to chart a path toward a more sustainable and transparent forest management regime.
“The timber sector has enormous potential to contribute to Ghana’s economic recovery, rural development, and job creation. But this can only happen if the right reforms are undertaken,” Mr. Nkeyasen concluded
Source: Classfmonline.com
Trending News
U.S., Ghana explore stronger health collaboration
09:00E/R: Rehabilitation works begin on Koforidua-Suhum road to ease commuters’ plight
09:10President Mahama explores education and biotechnology partnerships in Singapore
06:39Ghana poised to become Africa’s digital trade hub – Vice President
16:39Don’t be intimidated by the presence of police; they're here to provide security – NYA CEO to Akwatia voters
08:50NDC’s Godwin Tameklo questions the use of Internally Generated Funds at Ridge Hospital
08:56Hassan Tampuli supports 238 tertiary students in Gushegu
06:13Volta Region launches National Apprenticeship Programme with 2,060 beneficiaries
13:51E/R: Vigil held in honour of late Ernest Yaw Kumi
10:45Razak Kojo Opoku urges NPP to resist ‘entrenchment theorists’
07:31