The Lands and Natuaryal Rources Minister, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Boah has directed the Forestry Commission, to with immediate effect revoke all Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) within Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas (GSBAs) across the country issued by new CEO of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown.
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The decision comes in the wake of reports make ealier by Awake News suggesting the Dr. Brown had granted permits to an allged Pro-NPP company, Supremo Wood Processing Ltd to have timber in 107 companents.
Dr. Brown, who was appointed as the Executive Director of the Forestry Service Division of the Forestry Commission in June 2022 by the then President Akufo-Addo, was elevated to the CEO of the Forestry Commission in 2025 by President John Mahama.
In a letter dated June 4, 2025, the Acting CEO of Forestry Commission approved 107 compartments to Supremo Woods Processing Ltd, owned by Mr. Francis Yaw Donkoh to “HARVEST ECONOMIC TREE SPECIES IN THE TANO OFFIN FOREST RESERVE IN THE NKAWIE FOREST DISTRICT”
However, in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, the sector Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah who doubles as MP for Elembele ordered the immediate halt of all timber-related operations in declassified GSBAs and revoked all previously granted contracts in these ecologically sensitive zones.
The directive follows reports that some timber firms had been issued letters requesting payment of Timber Rights Fees (TRF) for concessions situated within protected GSBAs; areas globally recognized for their rich biodiversity and ecological value.
“In view of the above, I write to formally direct, with immediate effect, the suspension and revocation of all Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs) that have been granted within Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas across the country until further notice,” the letter stated.
As part of the directive, the Forestry Commission is to:
1. Immediately suspend all timber activities in the affected areas.
2. Revoke all existing TUCs within GSBAs.
3. Submit a full compliance report to the Ministry within seven working days.
4. Forward all future applications for timber rights (whether in plantations or natural forests) to the Minister for approval.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah stressed the need for “utmost urgency” and “strict enforcement” of the directive to protect the country’s endangered forest reserves. The Ministry also indicated that a list of the declassified GSBAs had been attached for reference and implementation.
