Accra, March 7, GNA - The Timber and Woodworkers Union (TWU) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) has congratulated Alhaji Collins Dauda on his elevation to the high status of Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. A statement issued in Accra on Saturday, signed by Mr. Joshua Ansah, the Union's General Secretary expressed its appreciation for the President's choice of Alhaji Dauda, who it described as having "a rich experience in the management of the country's lands and forest resources, which would impact positively on the sector." The congratulatory message is a follow-up of a courtesy call of the Union leadership on the Minister on Friday to welcome him into his new office.

The Minister expressed amazement to learn that the Union had already embarked on a 300-hectare forest plantation to check deforestation across the country, the statement said, adding that, he pledged his determination to encourage and assist private forestation schemes in the country. The statement said the Minister also expressed concern about the Union's complaint of massive lay-off of workers coupled with other problems facing the timber industry and pledged to work towards their solution.