Numerso: Dr Hugh C.A. Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, has underscored the urgent need for increased recruitment, improved logistics, continuous capacity building, enhanced welfare packages, and stronger institutional support for frontline forest protection personnel. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Brown highlighted that as of the beginning of 2026, the Resource Guard gap exceeded 2,500 officers, emphasizing that the scale of illegal activities across the country demanded more personnel, technical expertise, and operational resources. He noted that many frontline staff are overstretched, with limited officers covering vast forest landscapes under challenging conditions. Despite these challenges, officers continue to demonstrate commitment and courage, often risking their lives in the course of protecting Ghana's forest heritage. Dr Brown made these remarks during the handing over and inauguration of forest protection camps and checkpoint accommodation facilities for officers at Numerso , in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region. He revealed that data from the Forestry Commission and environmental monitoring institutions indicated that thousands of hectares of forest reserves had been degraded due to illegal mining and unauthorized logging activities over the years. These activities continue to threaten forest reserves, water bodies, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians, with major forest reserves in the Ashanti, Western, Western North, Ahafo, and Bono regions suffering severe destruction. He explained that beyond the depletion of forest resources, these illegal activities have polluted rivers, destroyed wildlife habitats, weakened ecosystem resilience, and threatened national water security, necessitating more frontline forest personnel. Dr Brown mentioned that forest protection in Ghana has traditionally relied on a patrol system where forest guards periodically monitor reserves from nearby communities. However, the nature of illegal activities has evolv ed, with perpetrators now using sophisticated equipment and operating within highly organized networks. To counter these developments, Dr Brown announced the establishment of forest protection and checkpoint camps to ensure a more permanent and proactive strategy for safeguarding the country's forests. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between the Government of the United Kingdom, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Government of Ghana, through the Forestry Commission, under the UK-Ghana Forest Governance Partnership programme. As part of broader forest governance reforms, Dr Brown stated that a multi-stakeholder working group has been inaugurated to spearhead the development of an enhanced forest protection strategy. He expressed optimism that with strong collaboration between stakeholders and local communities, Ghana could restore degraded areas, protect remaining forest reserves, and preserve its natural heritage for future generations.
- May 29, 2026
