FCTC Matriculates 81 Students for Maiden Natural Resource Management Programme
The Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC), in affiliation with the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has held its second matriculation ceremony, formally admitting 81 students to pursue the maiden Certificate in Natural Resource Management (CNRM) programme. The ceremony, held at the forecourt of the Training Centre, marked a significant milestone in the institution’s mission to build skilled technical personnel to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
The 18-month CNRM course is designed to produce middle-level technicians equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills to support forestry and wildlife operations across the country. The matriculation event symbolized the official start of an intensive academic journey for the pioneering cohort, which will play a key role in combating deforestation, environmental degradation, and illegal mining activities.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, underscored the importance of the programme in advancing Ghana’s environmental sustainability agenda. He pledged the Forestry Commission’s support in ensuring that trainees receive quality education and field experience to enable them to contribute effectively to forest protection and natural resource management.
“This training is a major step towards building a strong team of frontline workers who will champion the preservation of our forests and fight against the menace of galamsey. We are committed to equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and restore our forest reserves,” Dr. Brown stated.
He added that the trainees would work closely with the Forestry Commission’s three divisions to drive efforts in forest protection, wildlife conservation, and sustainable natural resource utilization.
The Director of the Forestry Commission Training Centre, Mrs. Roselyn Fosuah Adjei, also addressed the ceremony, emphasizing the Centre’s mandate to produce competent technical professionals for Ghana’s forestry and wildlife sectors. She highlighted challenges faced by the institution, including limited infrastructure and resources, and appealed for public and stakeholder support to help the Centre achieve its objectives.
“As a training institution, we are passionate about protecting the country’s forest reserves and wildlife. However, we face significant challenges that affect our operations. We are calling on the government, development partners, and the general public to support us in our quest to safeguard the environment,” she said.
The matriculation ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the Forestry Commission, representatives of UENR, staff of the Training Centre, and families of the new students. It featured the administration of the matriculation oath, officially inducting the students into their new academic community.
With the launch of the CNRM programme, the Forestry Commission Training Centre aims to position itself as a leading institution for natural resource education and capacity building in Ghana and beyond. The inaugural class of 81 students is expected to serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against environmental challenges, particularly illegal mining, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources.
