Ghana’s Acting Forestry Commission CEO, Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, is confronting internal allegations of political victimization and procedural violations following his controversial timber allocation to an NPP-linked firm.
Sources within the Commission report a deepening institutional crisis after Dr. Brown ordered abrupt staff transfers without due process, escalating tensions with the sector minister.
The controversy stems from Dr. Brown’s initial allocation of 107 forest compartments to Supremo Woods, a company owned by prominent NPP figure Francis Donkoh. Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah later reversed this decision, triggering alleged retaliation. According to internal sources, Dr. Brown personally authorized the immediate transfer of two Registry staff—suspected of leaking documents due to perceived NDC affiliations to remote offices in Amasaman and another regional post.
These transfers reportedly bypassed established protocols: no consultation occurred with Human Resource directorates, and no disciplinary proceedings preceded the moves. Copies of transfer letters obtained by MyNewsGh.com indicate Dr. Brown issued the directives directly, contravening standard administrative procedures.
The incident has intensified staff concerns over political targeting and job security under Dr. Brown’s leadership. Multiple employees describe a climate of fear and eroding due process, with mounting calls for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to investigate claims of “institutional intimidation.” This follows weeks of scrutiny after the Minister suspended Dr. Brown’s earlier timber permits in protected biodiversity zones.
Dr. Brown, appointed Acting CEO by former President Akufo-Addo (NPP) in 2022 and elevated by President Mahama (NDC) in 2024, maintains he operates independently of political influence. However, his actions have drawn criticism from both NDC insiders who called his promotion “strange” and staff demanding procedural integrity.
