There is growing tension and uncertainty at the Forestry Commission (FC) following what some disgruntled staff have described as deliberate inaction by the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to implement the revocation of the appointments of four officers who were promoted in breach of the Constitution.
These officers were elevated to the rank of directors by the Public Services Commission (PSC) without prior approval from then-President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The promotions were later revoked after the PSC failed to provide evidence of any presidential directive authorizing the appointments.
According to constitutional provisions, officers of public institutions can only be promoted to directorship positions by the president, acting on the advice of the governing board of the institution in consultation with the PSC.
However, investigations by Joy News revealed that the PSC undertook these promotions without approval from the presidency.
In response to these breaches, the PSC reversed the promotions two weeks ago through official revocation letters sent to the Acting CEO of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown.
Despite the directive, Joy News investigations indicate that Dr. Brown has yet to implement the revocation by ensuring the affected officers return to their previous positions. As a result, the officers in question continue to perform duties as directors.
The affected officers include:
- Carl Ahadze – Manager, Compliance
- Christian Fumey-Nassah – Manager, Stakeholder and Ecotourism
- Yaw Kwakye – Operations Manager, Natural Forest
- Yaw Atuahene Nyarko – Production Manager, Resource Management Support Center (RMSC)
A letter dated December 4, 2024, and sighted by Joy News, was signed by Ing. (Mrs) Mabel Amoako-Atta of the PSC, promoting Yaw Atuahene Nyarko to Director at the RMSC. However, the PSC failed to provide evidence of presidential approval for the promotion, raising concerns over the process.
With the PSC reversing the promotions, it is expected that the Forestry Commission’s CEO would take appropriate action to allow due process, ensuring that President John Mahama appoints individuals he deems fit for these positions.
After 48 hours, Joy News is yet to receive a response from Dr. Brown, who had earlier promised to return their call within 15 minutes.
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