The Forestry Commission says a strategic partner has
been selected to assist in developing an eco-tourism facility at the Achimota Forest
following Cabinet approval.
The forest has lost about 140 hectares of its original
495 hectares to urban encroachment but still serves environmental functions,
including acting as a shelter belt for noise created by human activities to
provide a serene environment in the city.
Mr. Samuel Afari-Dartey, Chief Executive Officer of
the Commission speaking at an annual Chief Executive’s End -of-Year briefing
and awards ceremony aimed at reviewing its programmes and activities, said it
will not stand by and allow the destruction of Achimota Forest to continue.
“We are now doing everything possible to safeguard the
remaining hectares. But the Commission cannot do it alone, and therefore we
need the support of law enforcement agencies, landowners and the general public
-- especially our media friends -- to support us in the effort to stop the
destruction,” he said.
He said to enhance human resources of the Commission, about
30 workers from different divisions and departments have undergone training in
various subjects and fields to upgrade their skills and knowledge for effective
work.
During the year10 deserving workers received awards
for their commitment and dedication to work. The workers were each presented
with citations, flat screen television sets and unspecified amount of money
In addition, 40 forest guards were also given
rapid response training to improve their field of operation.
Mr. Dartey explained that the Commission paid about
GH¢3.5million as educational grants to staff, and workmen’s compensation, amounting
to GH¢92,743.
“The Commission 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¢1.4million.”
He indicated that during the forestry week
celebration, more than 5,000 seedlings covering an area of five hectares were
planted by media persons and Commission staff in Accra, Begoro and other forest
divisions in the country.
Mr. Dartey explained that 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.
On the Mole National Park he said 25 tented room
lodges were constructed by Eco-lodges Ghana Limited, which have improved
tourism at the park.
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