Forestry Commission Training Centre Matriculates 81 Students for Maiden Certificate in Natural Resource Management Course
The Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC), affiliated with the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has held its second matriculation ceremony for students enrolled in the newly introduced Certificate in Natural Resource Management (CNRM) programme. The event, which took place at the forecourt of the Training Centre, marked a historic moment as 81 fresh students were officially admitted to begin the maiden 18-month programme designed to produce middle-level technicians for forestry and wildlife operations.
The ceremony symbolized the formal induction of the students into an academic journey aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and technical expertise required to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources. In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, stressed the critical role of the programme in strengthening forest protection efforts and combating illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana’s forest reserves. He underscored that the trainees would be strategically positioned as frontline technical workers of the Forestry Commission and would work closely with its three divisions to ensure the effective management and protection of the nation’s natural resources.
Dr. Brown reiterated the Commission’s commitment to investing in the training and capacity-building of its workforce, emphasizing that the fight against galamsey and other environmental threats requires well-trained and dedicated personnel. He expressed optimism that the maiden batch of CNRM students would contribute significantly to the Commission’s goal of restoring degraded forest lands and promoting sustainable natural resource management practices.
Speaking to the media, the Director of the Forestry Commission Training Centre, Mrs. Roselyn Fosuah Adjei, reaffirmed the institution’s mandate to train competent personnel to safeguard Ghana’s forests and wildlife resources. She highlighted some of the challenges facing the Training Centre, including inadequate infrastructure and resources, and appealed to the general public, stakeholders, and development partners to support the Centre in fulfilling its mission.
Mrs. Adjei noted that the introduction of the CNRM programme marks a major milestone in the Centre’s vision of becoming a premier training hub for natural resource management in Ghana and across the West African sub-region. She commended the students for choosing to pursue careers in forestry and natural resource management and urged them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to environmental stewardship.
The matriculation ceremony was attended by staff, dignitaries from the Forestry Commission, representatives of UENR, and family members of the new students. It featured an oath-taking ceremony, officially inducting the students into the programme and setting the tone for their academic and professional journey.
The Forestry Commission Training Centre’s launch of the CNRM programme comes at a time when Ghana is intensifying efforts to restore degraded forests and protect its natural ecosystems from illegal logging, mining, and other threats. With 81 pioneering students enrolled, the Centre is poised to strengthen the country’s capacity in sustainable natural resource management and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
