Several Forestry staff at the Department of Forestry in The Gambia have formally petitioned Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources Rohey John Manjang, raising the alarm over the proposed appointment of a military officer, Major Salifu Corr, as Director of Forestry.
In a letter dated March 7, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and copied to multiple government and oversight bodies, the staff expressed “serious and profound concerns” about the appointee’s apparent lack of expertise in forestry and natural resource conservation.
The petition underscores the critical role of the Forestry Department in national development and environmental sustainability, as outlined in the Forest Act 2018. The Act mandates the department to manage forest resources sustainably, conserve biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and support community livelihoods—responsibilities that require specialized knowledge and experience. The staff argues that appointing a military officer without a background in these areas jeopardizes the department’s ability to fulfill its mission.
According to the job description for the Director of Forestry, the position demands a leader with a Master’s degree in Forestry, Forestry Management, Forestry Science, or a related field, along with at least 10 years of relevant experience. Key duties include advising the government on forestry policies, managing forest resources judiciously, and overseeing departmental operations—tasks that hinge on technical expertise the petitioners say the appointee lacks.
“We are deeply concerned that this appointment could undermine the sustainable management of The Gambia’s forest resources,” the petition states. It warns of potential risks, including ineffective policy-making, poor staff management, and weakened institutional capacity, all of which could lead to declining forest health and community welfare.
The staff have called on the Public Service Commission to reconsider the appointment and select a candidate from a pool of qualified experts. They also urged the commission to discourage appointing personnel without forestry expertise, maintain participatory management approaches, and ensure transparent, merit-based recruitment processes. “Professionalism, environmental sustainability, and good governance must be prioritized,” the petition emphasizes.
The Forestry Department’s work is seen as vital to The Gambia’s ecological and economic stability. Forests play a key role in carbon sequestration, soil and water regulation, and livelihood support. The petitioners argue that only a director with proven forestry credentials can provide the technical leadership needed to meet these challenges.
The Public Service Commission has not responded publicly to the petition. The forestry staff remain resolute, concluding their letter with a plea for swift action to appoint a qualified professional, stating, “A Director of Forestry with the necessary expertise is crucial to achieving the sustainable management of The Gambia’s forest resources.”
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about leadership appointments in technical government roles, with stakeholders awaiting the government’s next move.
