Forestry Commission CEO Hugh Brown under pressure to reverse ‘illegal’ promotions

Tension is mounting at the Forestry Commission (FC) as some staff express frustration over the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hugh Brown’s delay in implementing a directive to revoke the promotions of four officers who were elevated in violation of Ghana’s Constitution.

The affected officers—Carl Ahadze, Christian Fumey-Nassah, Yaw Kwakye, and Yaw Atuahene Nyarko—were promoted to the rank of directors by the Public Services Commission (PSC) without prior approval from then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, as required by law.

Investigations by Joy News revealed that the PSC failed to provide official documentation from the presidency authorizing the promotions. Under Ghana’s Constitution, such appointments require presidential approval in consultation with the institution’s governing board and the PSC.

Upon realizing the procedural breach, the PSC revoked the promotions two weeks ago and communicated the decision to the Forestry Commission’s Acting CEO, directing that the officers be reverted to their previous roles. However, despite the clear directive, Dr. Brown has yet to enforce the revocation, allowing the officers to remain in their director positions illegally.

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A copy of one of the promotion letters, dated December 4, 2024, and signed by Ing. (Mrs.) Mabel Amoako-Atta of the PSC, confirmed that due process was sidestepped in appointing Yaw Atuahene Nyarko as Director of the Resource Management Support Center (RMSC). The PSC’s inability to provide a presidential authorization letter further exposed irregularities in the promotion process.

With the PSC now reversing its own decisions, many expected the FC’s leadership to act swiftly in rectifying the matter. The delay has fueled discontent among staff, who see it as an attempt to shield the affected officers.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Acting CEO of the Forestry Commission have so far been unsuccessful. Dr. Brown, who initially promised to return a call within 15 minutes, has yet to comment after 48 hours.