A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Forestry Commission and University of Energy and Natural Resources to train range supervisors, field technicians and wildlife officers who are currently in short supply.
According to the Forestry Commission, the people targeted to begin the training course would be called range supervisors and are expected to fill the gap created due to retirements, attrition among other unforeseen circumstances.
Per the MoU, UENR would serve as a training ground to provide young people with in-depth and practical knowledge of forests and the environment for a 16-month period after which they would be awarded certificates.
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Some of key the thoughts in the programme include pollution prevention, tackling of climate change and environmental challenges, pest infestations, technology usage and advancement like drones and satellite images usage amongst others.
At the signing ceremony in Accra on Monday, November 27, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr John Allotey, said the partnership with UENR, Formerly known as the School of Forestry would not only give certification and promotion at work but quality assurance which would be crucial to achieving Commission’s objectives.
Accroding to Mr Allotey, the decision to train young professionals had been a long standing goal since they were able to churn out professionals in various fields.
He noted that, “We are supposed to protect, develop and manage our forest. The numbers we have currently is worrying because we have only 179 range supervisors as against the expected 350.
Even with the 179, half of them should not be in the field because physically they have gone beyond their prime,” Mr Allotey added.
On his part, Prof Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice Chancellor, UENR, who signed on behalf of University stated that the MOU was key in the advancement of the two institutions ,while signifying the relationship between academia and industry.
The Prof. pointed out that his oufit was determined to make the MoU a working document to ensure success, emphasizing that the University was established to address key challenges of our national development.
“The job of the Forestry Commission is essential and we have a role to play. The areas we are going to emphasize will be the training, research, projects and other community engagements. We therefore pledge a full commitment to this MoU,” he maintained.
By Mohammed Suleman/Publicagenda.news
