The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, on Monday, swore Mr John Allotey into office as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission.

Mr Allotey was formerly the Deputy CEO of the Commission and was appointed acting CEO after the passing of Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie

His confirmation as the substantive CEO comes nearly 2 months after the demise of Mr Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as "Sir John", who died on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

Meanwhile, Togbega Tsedze Atakora VII, Paramount Chief of Alavanyo Traditional Area, has also been sworn in as a Board Member of the Commission, replacing the late Togbega Gabusu VI, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area.

At a brief ceremony at the Ministry in Accra, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh administered the Oaths of Office, Secrecy and Allegiance to the two gentlemen and charged the two personalities to be bold, forthright and work assiduously to propel the Commission to a higher level.

The Minister urged them to continue the good works of the former CEO and execute the mandate of the Commission.

Mr Allotey, in his acceptance remarks, expressed gratitude to the President for the honour and pledged to work closely with all the stakeholders to achieve the vision and mission of the Commission.

Togbega Atakora, on his part, expressed appreciation to the President for the honour done him.

He took the opportunity to commend the former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and current Energy Minister, Mr John-Peter Amewu, for the good works done at the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region during his tenure as the Municipal Chief Executive.