Forestry Commission Bill read a second time

Accra (Greater Accra) 23 July '99

The Forestry Commission Bill was on Thursday read the second time in Parliament.

The purpose of the bill is to re-enact the Forestry Commission Act, 1993 (Act 453) to bring under the ambit of the Commission state bodies and agencies that have been implementing forest and wildlife related functions.

Although the Forestry Commission (FC) as established under the existing law, has power to monitor agencies that effect the day-to-day management of forests and wildlife functions, the Act does not go far enough to make those implementing agencies answerable to the Commission.

Members welcomed the re-establishment of the FC, and hoped with wider powers and functions, the Commission will ensure a sustainable development of the nation's resources.

Members said the re-organisation of the Commission envisaged under the Bill will place it in a better position to effectively co-ordinate forest and wildlife policies of government.

Mrs Theresa Joyce Baffoe, NDC-New Edubiase, stressed the need for the Commission to make sustained efforts to educate the people on the judicious utilisation of forest products.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Subin urged the Ministry of lands and Forestry to establish a Forestry Research Institution to effectively co-ordinate programmes of the sector.

Mr J E K Abekah, PCP-Effia-Kwesimintsim, in a divergent opinion, said the bill does not address the concerns raised in the Forestry Commission Act of 1993.

In his view, members will be doing a great disservice to the nation if they pass the bill, and therefore urged the House to suspend it.

Winding up, Dr Christina Amoako-Nuama, the Sector Minister, thanked members for their concerns, and assured them of her ministry's co-operation to ensure the successful implementation of the country's forestry and wildlife programmes.

GRi./