Forestry Commission Boss ‘Hijacks’ 2,600 Job Recruitment

Simmering tensions are brewing within the ranks of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over allegations that the recruitment of more than 2,600 youth into the Forestry Commission was unilaterally carried out by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown.

The recruitment, under the Youth Forest Champion (YFC) programme, was reportedly conducted last year without the involvement of key management members, including deputies and top directors.

Sources within the Commission claim the process was executed without a collective framework, sidelining top officials and leaving many grassroots of the governing party unaware of the exercise.

Dr. Brown is said to hold the view that the law establishing the Forestry Commission does not recognise the position of Deputy CEO, a stance that allegedly informed his decision to oversee the recruitment and other decision-making subjects independently.

Insiders further allege that the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eric Elikem Kotoko, along with other senior directors, were excluded from the process, let alone given a slot.

The role of a second Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Timothy Ataboadey Awotiirim, in the recruitment exercise remains unclear. He was a former MP for Builsa North in the Upper East Region.

The development has reportedly placed Mr. Kotoko, who also serves as a Deputy National Organiser of the NDC in a difficult position, as he is said to be unable to assist party grassroots seeking employment opportunities.

According to insiders, recruitment powers were instead delegated to district Forestry Commission heads, with no quotas allocated to party members and grassroots across various constituencies

Reports also indicate that Dr. Brown has, on several occasions, declined requests from party supporters seeking meetings, maintaining that he is “not a politician” and therefore unable to engage in such matters.

Dr. Brown, a seasoned forester, was appointed in June 2022 by former President Akufo-Addo as Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD) before rising to his current role.  He is described by some insiders as having sympathies for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The situation has triggered frustration among grassroots members of the NDC, many of whom argue that they have been treated unfairly despite their contributions to the party’s efforts during the 2024 general elections.

Some aggrieved party stalwarts and directors contend that a recruitment exercise of such magnitude should have followed established protocols to ensure transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.

Mr. Anthony Selassie, Special Aide to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, has publicly questioned the development.

In a Facebook post, he expressed concern over the apparent exclusion of party grassroots, particularly social media activists.

“Who are the beneficiaries? Was the sector minister involved? How many comrades got this opportunity? I will dig deep into this,” he wrote, adding that those who worked for the party’s electoral success should be considered.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kofi Blonya, a close associate of Mr. Kotoko, has corroborated claims of internal challenges at the Commission.

In a separate Facebook post, he described Mr. Kotoko’s situation as “uncomfortable,” alleging that he has been marginalised within the institution.

Mr. Blonya further claimed that the recruitment of over 2,600 individuals was carried out without Mr. Kotoko’s knowledge, despite increasing pressure from party supporters seeking employment.

He also alleged disparities in treatment within the Commission’s leadership, including claims regarding remuneration and administrative support.

Attempts to reach the Forestry Commission’s management for official comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.