The Forestry Commission (FC) has honoured two long-serving ICT leaders, Dr. Joseph Adu Mintah and Mr. Ebo Darko Jnr, at a joint 60th birthday and retirement send-off ceremony at its head office in Accra.
The event celebrated Dr. Mintah, Director of ICT, and Mr. Darko, a Network Infrastructure Architect, for their combined 58 years of service to the Commission. Dr. Mintah served for 24 years, while Mr. Darko spent 34 years supporting and expanding the Commission’s digital systems.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Director of Human Resources, Dr. Abdul-Nasir Abubakar, described the two retirees as committed public servants whose work helped strengthen the Commission, adding that their retirement should mark a new chapter of productivity beyond active service.
Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, also praised the honourees, describing their contributions as central to the Commission’s digital transformation.
He said their work helped modernise systems, improve efficiency, and position the institution for a technology-driven future, adding that management would continue to rely on their experience where necessary.
Other speakers highlighted the growth of the ICT function within the Commission, noting that it evolved from a small support unit into a full Directorate.
The ceremony also emphasised mentorship and succession planning, with staff acknowledging the role the two retirees played in training younger professionals.
Dr. Mintah was credited with driving the elevation of ICT into a strategic arm of the institution and building a stronger foundation for accountability and integration across the Commission’s operations.
Mr. Darko was also recognised for his technical expertise and key role in maintaining and stabilising network infrastructure across divisions and regional offices.
Both retirees were presented with citations, cash and other gifts, as management and staff paid tribute to their service.
In his response, Dr. Mintah thanked management and staff and reflected on the Directorate’s growth from a four-member team to a nationwide unit of about 64 personnel, attributing the progress to teamwork and commitment.
The Commission said the ceremony reaffirmed its commitment to recognising excellence, preserving institutional memory and sustaining the digital transformation agenda built over the years.
