The Forest Industries Association of Ghana (FIAG) has welcomed Mr. John Allotey on his promotion as the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission (FC) of Ghana.

The FIAG congratulates Mr Allotey, as the members trust that the new CEO will implore his rich knowledge about the industry to provide a great platform for inclusiveness and comprehensiveness towards addressing variety of issues confronting the forest industry.

“There is no doubt that your stellar work performance has been a huge milestone in your promotion. Your amazing teamwork and foresight have contributed to the Commission`s successes,” the Association’s says. “FIAG couldn’t be happier to see one of its very own rising to the pinnacle of leadership at the Commission.”

However, the Association reminded the new FC chairman that “whiles offering our heartiest congratulations, at the same time, it is important to recount some of the challenges that currently face forest industries in Ghana.

“Raw material accessibility remains a nemesis to forest business development and trade. Also, the completion of the EU FLEGT-VPA processes to pave the way for the issuance of licenses and permits to trade into the EU and elsewhere is still on ”one-leg” support and pending.”

It said although the forest industry contributes to the Ghanaian economy through job creation, provide a stream of revenue for development, brings about the flow of export income, all of which are in a very fragile state, due to the ongoing health and economic crisis from the Covid-19 pandemic.

 In the light of this, the forest industry is helping to stimulate sustainable development goals through practices that bring about the long-term safeguard of our forest and environmental resources.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left the forest industry paralyzed but we recognise that when the new Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) are ratified, they will pave the way for the long-awaited FLEGT licensing to begin and will bring some needed respite. We hope that we can work together to redouble efforts to effect an expeditious process to get TUCs ratified before the current Parliament is dissolved,” it added.  

The release reiterated that the whole forest industry is full of excitement to witness Mr Allotey’s leadership, which the Association believe to inure to the benefit of the success of the industry.

By Akutu Dede Adimer