The Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC), in collaboration with the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has officially matriculated 81 students into its maiden Certificate in Natural Resource Management (CNRM) programme. The second matriculation ceremony of the Centre, held at its forecourt, marked a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen human resource capacity in forestry and wildlife management.
The 18-month programme is designed to train highly skilled, middle-level technicians capable of providing frontline technical support for forest and wildlife conservation operations. It represents a bold step by the Forestry Commission and UENR to address the pressing challenges of illegal mining, deforestation, and environmental degradation by equipping professionals with the technical expertise needed to safeguard the country’s natural resources.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, emphasized the importance of this partnership in achieving national environmental goals. He stated that the Commission is committed to investing in its workforce and ensuring trainees receive both classroom and field-based instruction to prepare them for the complex realities of forest management.
“This programme is a clear demonstration of our commitment to sustainable natural resource management. By training these young people, we are not only building their careers but also empowering them to be at the forefront of protecting our forests and wildlife. Together with UENR, we are ensuring that Ghana has a strong technical force to combat galamsey and other threats to our environment,” Dr. Brown said.
He assured the students that their training would position them to make meaningful contributions to the Forestry Commission’s work across its three divisions, adding that the Commission is determined to support initiatives that strengthen forest conservation and restoration efforts nationwide.
Speaking to the media, the Director of the Forestry Commission Training Centre, Mrs. Roselyn Fosuah Adjei, reiterated the institution’s mandate to build technical capacity for environmental stewardship. While commending the introduction of the CNRM programme as a timely intervention, she revealed that the Training Centre continues to face significant logistical and infrastructural challenges that hinder its operations.
“As an institution mandated to train competent personnel for Ghana’s forestry and wildlife sectors, we are doing our best, but we need support. We appeal to government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society to come to our aid so that we can deliver on our mandate to protect our natural resources,” Mrs. Adjei said.
The matriculation ceremony featured a symbolic oath-taking by the new students, formally inducting them into the Training Centre’s academic community. It was attended by dignitaries from the Forestry Commission, representatives of UENR, staff, and families of the students, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
The launch of the CNRM programme marks a significant turning point for the Forestry Commission Training Centre, which is poised to become a leading institution for natural resource management training in Ghana and beyond. With 81 pioneering students enrolled, the Centre is expected to play a vital role in building the technical expertise required to tackle pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
