The Forestry Commission (FC) has honoured two distinguished leaders of its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Directorate at a special 60th Birthday and Retirement Send-Off Ceremony held at the Boardroom of the Commission’s Head Office, on Tuesday, February 17,2026.
The event celebrated Dr. Joseph Adu Mintah, Director of ICT, widely described as a Digital Founding Pillar of the Commission, and Mr. Ebo Darko Jnr, Network Infrastructure Architect, for their decades of dedicated service and instrumental roles in strengthening the institution’s digital architecture.
Togther, they served the Commission for 58 years, with Dr. Adu Mintah serving for 24years, whilst Mr. Darko served for 34years.
Dr. Abdul-Nasir Abubakar, Acting Director, Human Resources, noted that the occasion was set aside to celebrate two committed public servants who had devoted the greater part of their adult lives to the growth and stability of the Commission. He expressed optimism that their retirement would mark the beginning of new and productive chapters beyond the confines of the FC.
Delivering his brief remarks, the Chief Executive of the Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, described the ceremony as the end of an era, while acknowledging the honourees as visionaries and pillars of the Commission’s digital transformation.
He commended their longstanding contributions to modernising systems, enhancing operational efficiency, and steering the Institution towards a technology-driven future. On behalf of Management, he expressed pride in their achievements and indicated that the Commission looked forward to continued engagement that would allow it to benefit from their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Mr. Bernard Cecil Arthur, Deputy Manager for Database and Application at the ICT Directorate, underscored the significance of the ceremony, describing it as an opportunity to publicly recognise years of diligent service often rendered behind the scenes. He reflected on the transformation of ICT within the Commission, from a basic data entry unit under RMC into a fully-fledged Directorate. He attributed the progress to vision, resilience, and sustained commitment. He further highlighted the importance of mentorship and succession planning, noting that the strong foundation laid by the retirees had positioned the Directorate for seamless continuity.
Presenting their career profiles, Mr. Emmanuel Opoku, Manager for Emerging Technology and Zonal Coordination, credited Dr. Mintah with nearly 24 years of visionary leadership that repositioned ICT as a strategic arm of the Commission.
He recalled how Dr. Mintah championed the elevation of ICT from a modest support function into a Directorate that now drives efficiency, accountability, and institutional integration. He emphasised that beyond infrastructure and systems, Dr. Mintah’s enduring legacy lies in mentoring professionals, instilling discipline and excellence, as well as laying a robust framework for future growth.
Mr. Opoku also recounted the distinguished 34-year service record of Mr. Darko, highlighting his technical competence, loyalty, and steady leadership. Beginning his career in the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), at a time of limited ICT infrastructure, Mr. Darko played a pivotal role in sustaining network operations and ensuring service reliability under challenging conditions.
Rising to the position of Network and Systems Assistant Manager, he contributed significantly to the development, maintenance, and stabilisation of the Commission’s core network infrastructure across divisions and regional offices. His calm disposition and willingness to mentor younger staff were also recognised as integral to his lasting impact.
The ceremony brought together Management and staff of the Commission, who reflected on the achievements and enduring legacy of the two honourees. Both retirees were presented with citations, cash, and other gifts amid warm tributes and well wishes.
Responding on behalf of both retirees, Dr. Mintah expressed profound appreciation to Management and staff for the honour. He recounted the Directorate’s journey from a four-member team to a nationwide unit of approximately 64 personnel, attributing the growth to collective effort and dedication. He particularly thanked the staff of the ICT Directorate for their support and commitment, which made his years of service both fulfilling and impactful.
The ceremony not only marked the retirement of two accomplished professionals but also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to recognising excellence, preserving institutional memory, and sustaining the digital transformation agenda they helped to build.
As Dr. Mintah and Mr. Darko transition into a new phase of life, their legacy remains firmly embedded in the systems, structures, and people they nurtured, ensuring that the Forestry Commission’s technological advancement continues on a solid and visionary foundation.
By Benjamin Aidoo
