Forestry Commission awards workers

The Forestry Commission has given ten deserving workers recognition awards for their commitment and dedication to work.

The workers were each presented with citations, flat screen television sets and unspecified amount of money at the annual Chief Executive’s End –Of-Year briefing and awards ceremony.

In a review of the Commission’s programmes and activities Mr Samuel Afari Dartey, Chief Executive Officer, said to enhance human resource about 30 workers from the different divisions and departments, had undergone training in various subjects and fields to upgrade their skills and knowledge for effective work.

In addition, 40 forest guards were also given rapid response training to improve their field of operation.

Mr Dartey said the Commission also paid about GH¢3.5 million as educational grant to staff and workmen’s compensation, totalling GH¢92,743.

Mr Dartey said the commission also released special loans to deserving staffs under its loan schemes which included staff funeral grant of GH¢74,000 and a staff terminal benefit scheme totalling GH¢1.4 million.

He said during the forestry week celebration, more than 5,000 seedlings covering an area of 5 hectares were planted by media persons and commissions staff in Accra, Begoro and other forest divisions in the country.

Mr Dartey said in efforts to maintain and enhance plantation development, the Commission was able to maintain 2, 500 hectares of the plantation stock of 188,000 hectares.

He said a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Form Ghana during the year saw the development of 640 hectares of plantation.

Mr Dartey said a strategic partner had been selected to assist in developing an eco-tourism facility at the Achimota Park following cabinet approval.

On the Mole National Park, he said, 25 tented room lodges were constructed by Eco-lodges Ghana Limited which had improved tourism on the park.