In a significant leadership transition within Ghana’s forestry sector, Dr. Gordon Kofi Sarfo-Adu has been appointed Acting Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD) under the Forestry Commission.
A seasoned natural resources manager and institutional reform advocate, Dr. Sarfo-Adu’s appointment marks a new chapter for the FSD at a time when Ghana’s forests are under growing threat from illegal mining, deforestation, and climate-related pressures.
Dr. Sarfo-Adu is not new to the terrain. He has spent much of his professional life at the Forestry Commission, rising through the ranks with a reputation for professionalism, discipline, and deep technical knowledge of the sector. His contributions span national forestry policy, forest governance systems, and international negotiations on environmental protection and sustainability.
Prior to this new role, he served as Acting Director of Human Resources at the Commission, where he led key institutional reforms—introducing more transparent recruitment processes, improving staff welfare, and investing in capacity building. His leadership approach is often described by colleagues as firm but fair, strategic yet grounded.
Dr. Sarfo-Adu’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds advanced degrees in public administration, environmental management, procurement, and finance. He earned his PhD from the University of Ghana, combining academic excellence with real-world application to support sustainable forestry.
His leadership comes at a time when the FSD is grappling with multiple pressing issues — the devastating impacts of illegal mining (galamsey), forest degradation, and the complex task of balancing forest conservation with economic development. There are also growing calls for more innovation in landscape restoration, forest-product value addition, and community engagement.
DAN AMPIM ADU
Head, Public Relations
Forest Services Division
Forestry Commission
Headquarters
Accra
