The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey, has announced that Ghana would be the first African country to host the World’s 4th Teak Conference, from the 5th – 8th September, this year.
He announced this during his presentation to a high-powered delegation from the Forestry Commission in Edo State, Nigeria, which paid a courtesy call on him on Monday, 15th August, 2022.
He noted that it was befitting of Ghana to be the first African country to host such an important event, because, “aside the Asian countries, no other country produces more teak than Ghana, and it has taken a deliberate effort to get us to this level.”
Mr. Allotey invited  Edo State to join, learn, and contribute to the Conference, explaining that would bring together stakeholders, traders of teak, researchers, and all who matter in the forestry sector to brainstorm on how to grow a vibrant business in that venture.
He hoped that the two countries would find legal ways to export Rosewood from sustainable sources, adding that Ghana was still enforcing its ban on the commodity until better mechanisms are adopted.
Mr. John Allotey alluded that one key area that had also received global attention was Climate Change, and called for a collective and collaborative effort to change the world reports and achieve the goals set to reduce global warming.
He also mentioned trade as an important subject that needed to be considered in the collaboration agenda, notifying that a good exchange of expertise of both countries would help improve the trade sector.
The CEO congratulated the Acting Chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission and eulogized his good works during his time as a staff of the Commission in Ghana and hoped that he will bring his experience to bear as he heads the Commission in Edo State.
The Acting Chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission, Mr. Edward Obiaw, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Executive and the Commission for their positive response and warm reception. Mr. Obiaw highlighted on some achievements and challenges being faced by the Edo State Commission as they transition from a department into a Commission.
He explained that one of the major challenges is the bureaucratic nature of their administration but promised to work together with his youthful team to change the status quo.
He also made mention of over reserving of forest lands in the country which he noted  has led to encroachment by the citizens who are mostly farmers, adding over exploitation of timber, security challenges and institutional weakness as others
He further appealed to the Commission to collaborate with the Edo Forestry Commission on Forestry Manager Planning, Wood tracking System, Ex tourism amongst other initiative implemented by the FC, Ghana.
The Chairman applauded the work the Commission has done in Ghana and assured that “Forestry Commission in Edo will be built around the model in Ghana and we are taking all the experience from you”
Mr. Joseph Osiakwan, Technical Director for Forestry, who joined other officers of the Commission and CEO to receive the delegation from Nigeria, also congratulated the Chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission and submitted to the team to consider planning excellent Forestry frameworks and Forestry wildlife polices which will guide their operations and ensure that they do not repeat the mistakes of the mother institutions.
