The Forestry Commission (FC) of Ghana is a pivotal public service institution operating under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. While its origins trace back to a colonial forestry department established in 1909, the modern Commission was re-established by the Forestry Commission Act, 1999 (Act 571). This act consolidated various public bodies to create a unified corporate entity dedicated to the sustainable management and protection of the nation’s natural environments.

Core Mandate & Divisions The Commission is tasked with the regulation of the utilization of forest and wildlife resources, the conservation of these resources, and the coordination of related policies. To achieve these goals, the FC operates through several specialized divisions:

• Forest Services Division (FSD): Focuses on protecting and managing forest reserves and developing forest plantations to restore degraded areas.

• Wildlife Division (WD): Manages national parks, resource reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, while enforcing anti-poaching and closed hunting season regulations.

• Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD): Regulates timber harvesting, provides market intelligence, and promotes value addition and the use of lesser-known timber species.

• Resource Management Support Centre (RMSC) & Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC): Serve as the technical, research, and educational wings of the Commission.

Vision & Impact The vision of the Forestry Commission is to leave future generations with richer, better, and more valuable forestry and wildlife endowments. By enforcing strict environmental regulations, managing over 8.2 million hectares of forest and 15 wildlife reserves, and collaborating with international partners on climate resilience initiatives, the FC plays a critical role in combating deforestation and promoting sustainable economic development in Ghana.