New wood species for manufacturing identified

Page 46
27-10-08

THE Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) of the Forestry Commission (FC) has identified seven additional wood species of commercial and industrial value.
Among other industrial purposes, the wood species, according to the TIDD, can be used for panelling, furniture, flooring, mouldings, structural work, door, decorative veneer and plywood, for the local and international markets.
The seven species bring to 28 the number of wood species in Ghana that are used for manufacturing purposes.
They are Asoma, Yayaa, Wawabima, Ananta, Avodire, Sinduro, Ohaa and Watawpuo.
A Trade and Industry Officer at the TIDD, Mr R.A. Dadzie, made this known to the Daily Graphic at the ongoing Ghana International Furniture and Woodworking Exhibition (GIFEX) at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre.
He gave the National Indicative Felling Levels (NIFLs) of the species as Asoma, 17,592 cubic metres; Yayaa, 4,678 cubic metres; Wawabima, 12,874 cubic metres; Ananta, 12,327; Sinduro, 6,128 cubic metres; Ohaa, 4,140 cubic metres and Watawpuo, 9,774.
He said the Division was going to promote the species to individuals, firms and organisations, adding that the ultimate aim of the TIDD was to ensure maximum returns from the sale of wood products.
Mr Dadzie said an amount of €184.17 million was realised from the export of 528,570 cubic metres of wood products from January to December, last year, and that for the same period in 2006, an amount of €170.10 million was generated.
According to him, the TIDD had targeted to generate €200 million by the end of this year, adding that the Division was able to rake in €96 million in the first half of the year.
In a related development, the Wildlife Division of the FC underscored the need for Ghanaians to undertake activities that would protect the environment for future generations.
The Public Relations Manager of the Division, Mrs Vivian A.N. Nuhu, expressed concerns about the way some people were treating the environment, thereby threatening the survival of some animal and plant species.
She noted that wildlife is not only about dangerous animals but also about living creatures like ants and butterflies.
Mr Emmanuel K.K. Mensah, Assistant Public Relations Manager of the Forestry Commission, stressed the need for people living in a particular area to embark on community forestry because of its potential to transform their lives and environment.
An official of the FC, Mr Daniel Mensah, who was manning the Resource Management Support Centre (RMSC) stand at the fair, said the centre was the technical wing of the FC.
He said it was responsible for the exploration, development, facilitation, institutionalisation, implementation and monitoring of effective and affordable forest and wildlife management system in the country in accordance with the national forest and wildlife policy.
He said the objectives included accelerating improved operational capacity of the FC, enhance operational capacity and facilitate accelerated preparation and implementation of management plans.