SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF GHANA?S FOREST IS CRUCIAL FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mr Isaac Osei, Ghana High Commissioner to the UK has said in London that the sustainable management of Ghana?s forest was crucial to national development.

The High Commissioner noted that forestry was a vital foreign exchange earner and a source of livelihood and sustenance for rural communities and businessmen.

?It is therefore of paramount concern that we take the necessary steps to maintain our timber stock and preserve our game and wildlife for the present and future generations? said the High Commissioner.

Mr. Osei observed that issues relating to sustainable forestry and timber products emanating from sustainable forests were of growing concern worldwide and pointed out that on-going reforms in the sector underscored government?s commitment to the orderly and sustainable exploitation of the nation?s natural resources.

Mr. Isaac Osei made the remarks when the out-going Manager of the Ghana Forestry Commission, UK, Alhaji Alhassan Attah called on him to introduce his relieve, Dr. Ben Nathan Donkor.

Mr. Osei praised Alhaji Alhassan Attah for his dedication, hardwork and selfless devotion to duty and urged him to bring the experience garnered during his tour of the UK to bear on his new schedule at home.

?You have not only endeared and distinguished yourself as a worthy Ambassador of Ghana but your collaboration with us has been of immense benefit to the work of the High Commission?, he added.

Alhaji Alhassan Attah, who takes over as Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Board on his return to Ghana, thanked the High Commissioner for the support accorded him during his tour.

On his part, Dr. Donkor, formerly Manager of the Monitoring & Evaluation Unit at the Headquarters of the Ghana Forestry Commission, said he would build on the firm foundation laid by his predecessor to aggressively promote Ghana?s forest industry.