Forestry Research Institute urged to lead the forest preservation crusade
Mr Edward Osei Nsenkyire, Board Chairman of the Forestry Research Institute (FORIG) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has challenged the Institute to lead the crusade for preservation and protection of the nation’s forest resources.
He said so many things were contributing to the degradation of the forest resources and it was important for the Institute as a research unit to collaborate with the Ministries of Environment, Science and Technology and Land and Natural Resources to design innovative strategies to address the situation.
The destructive activities of emigrants from neighbouring countries, take-over of reserves by illegal miners and wreckage of forest research centres, were areas that needed critical attention.
He was speaking after he had been honoured by the management and staff of FORIG for his immense contribution to forest resource management and administration at a ceremony in Fumesua, near Kumasi on Friday.
Two other board members, Mr Jacob Gyan Kwabena Owusu and Nana Dwomo Sarpong, were also presented with citations in recognition of their pioneering role in forestry education in Ghana and protection of rivers and water bodies.
In addition, some staff and retired employees were rewarded for their hard work, outstanding achievement and contribution to the work and activities of the Institute.
They included Alhaji Abubakr Musah Mohammed of the marketing and trading department, adjudged the overall best worker for 2011; Mr Samuel Atusong, best worker at the finance and administration; Mr Thomas Essandoh, best worker, non-technical department; Mrs Elizabeth Dapaah, best outstation worker and Mr Jonathan Dabo, best worker technical grade.
The retired employees were Dr Kwame Asamoah Adam, Miss Georgina Owusu Agyeman, Miss Georgina Afriyie, Mr Lawrence Nyarko and Mr Daniel Kaido Mankoe.
They received fridges, deep freezers, clothes and television sets.
Mr Nsenkyire praised FORIG for its role in scientific and technological advancement in the forestry sector.
Dr Victor Agyeman, Director of FORIG, commended the staff of the Institute for their hard work and dedication over the years and called on them to continue with the good job in the years ahead.
Source: GNA