The appointment of Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission by President John Dramani Mahama has been met with widespread approval from key stakeholders in Ghana’s timber industry.
Dr. Brown, a seasoned forester with over three decades of experience, previously served as the Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD). Industry players are confident that his expertise and deep knowledge of forestry management will steer the commission and the timber industry towards sustainable growth.
Timber merchants across major forestry hubs—including Ashanti, Western, Western North, and Ahafo regions—have expressed optimism about Dr. Brown’s leadership. They believe his appointment will strengthen forest governance, improve timber production, and contribute to Ghana’s economic growth.
Speaking to the press in Kumasi, timber merchant Nana Adu Bonsra commended President Mahama for selecting a professional with firsthand industry experience.
“Dr. Brown’s appointment is a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to developing the forestry sector. We are grateful for this thoughtful and well-informed decision,” he stated.
Merchants have also pledged their full support for the new CEO, expressing hope that his tenure will bring much-needed reforms to tackle challenges such as illegal logging, forest degradation, and weak enforcement of forestry regulations.
The President of the Ghana Timber Association (GTA), Mr. Alex Dadzie, has described Dr. Brown’s appointment as one of the best decisions for forest management and the timber industry.
According to Mr. Dadzie, past political interference weakened the commission and created room for illegal miners and loggers to exploit Ghana’s forest reserves.
He expressed optimism, however, that Dr. Brown’s leadership will restore professionalism and boost morale among forestry officials.
“The President has made the right choice. Dr. Brown is a true forester who understands the sector. I am confident that he will not only live up to expectations but also restore order within the Forestry Commission,” Mr. Dadzie stated.
Form Ghana, a reforestation and timber plantation development company operating in the Ashanti and Bono regions, has also praised Dr. Brown’s appointment.
In an official statement, CEO Williem Fourie acknowledged that forestry management is a complex task, but expressed confidence in Dr. Brown’s passion and expertise to drive sustainable growth.
“His leadership will enhance investor confidence in the sector, create employment opportunities, and stimulate rural economic growth,” Mr. Fourie remarked.
The Forest Plantation Timber Exporters and Loggers Association has also endorsed Dr. Brown’s appointment, emphasizing the importance of selecting an industry insider to lead the commission.
Association President, Mr. Kofi Asante, noted that Dr. Brown’s deep understanding of the sector will enable him to implement effective policies.
“Having someone who has worked in the industry for years is a great advantage. He knows the challenges we face and is well-positioned to address them,” Mr. Asante said.
Beyond their commendations, industry players are urging the new CEO to prioritize the fight against illegal mining and chainsaw operations, which have severely depleted Ghana’s forest resources.
They believe that strong enforcement measures, coupled with strategic reforestation programs, will safeguard the country’s timber industry for future generations.
Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown is a renowned professional forester with over 30 years of experience in tropical forest management, protection, and development.
He holds a Ph.D. in the Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources from the University of Helsinki, Finland, and has an extensive background in forestry planning, policy implementation, and environmental leadership.
Career Highlights:
District Manager – Bekwai, Kade, and Offinso
Operations Manager – Plantations Department, Forest Services Division
Director of Plantations – Forest Services Division
Executive Director – Forest Services Division
Dr. Brown’s expertise has earned him several professional recognitions, including the 2020 Yale Prospect Street Award for Environmental Leadership from Yale University’s School of the Environment.
With Dr. Brown at the helm, the Forestry Commission is expected to roll out policies aimed at improving forest sustainability, boosting timber exports, and promoting eco-tourism.