Workers at the Department of Forestry have sent a petition to Rohey John-Manjang, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources. They worry about Colonel Salifu Corr becoming the new forestry director. The government announced this choice on March 3, 2025, making many people upset across the country.
Staff members question why a military officer should run a civilian forest agency. More than 9,000 people signed an online petition against this decision. The minister defended picking Colonel Corr during a National Assembly meeting on March 18. She claimed he earned the job based on his skills and education.
Activist Madi Jobarteh called the appointment sad and outrageous, adding fuel to the public argument. The unhappy staff wrote a letter to several government offices, including the Public Service Commission, PMO, and National Assembly, explaining their deep concerns about Colonel Corr leading their department.
The workers pointed out that Colonel Corr lacks background knowledge and experience in forestry and natural resource conservation. They believe these skills matter greatly for anyone who wants to lead their department well. The forestry department plays a key role in national development and protecting the environment in The Gambia.
Running the department properly requires someone with special knowledge, proven experience, and a clear grasp of forest management challenges. The job description for forestry director lists specific technical requirements and leadership skills for this specialized field. Any appointment that ignores these needs creates big worries about how forests will be managed in The Gambia.
The staff asked the Public Service Commission to reconsider the new director. Instead, they want someone chosen from the group of experts they suggested. The workers urged officials not to appoint people without forest management expertise to leadership roles. They also want the department to keep its current operating methods and continue using community involvement approaches.
Staff members question why a military officer should run a civilian forest agency. More than 9,000 people signed an online petition against this decision. The minister defended picking Colonel Corr during a National Assembly meeting on March 18. She claimed he earned the job based on his skills and education.
Activist Madi Jobarteh called the appointment sad and outrageous, adding fuel to the public argument. The unhappy staff wrote a letter to several government offices, including the Public Service Commission, PMO, and National Assembly, explaining their deep concerns about Colonel Corr leading their department.
The workers pointed out that Colonel Corr lacks background knowledge and experience in forestry and natural resource conservation. They believe these skills matter greatly for anyone who wants to lead their department well. The forestry department plays a key role in national development and protecting the environment in The Gambia.
Running the department properly requires someone with special knowledge, proven experience, and a clear grasp of forest management challenges. The job description for forestry director lists specific technical requirements and leadership skills for this specialized field. Any appointment that ignores these needs creates big worries about how forests will be managed in The Gambia.
The staff asked the Public Service Commission to reconsider the new director. Instead, they want someone chosen from the group of experts they suggested. The workers urged officials not to appoint people without forest management expertise to leadership roles. They also want the department to keep its current operating methods and continue using community involvement approaches.
