Ghana’s rich forests have long been a source of economic strength, and environmental sustainability. However, the sector’s current situation is a cause for concern for every Ghanaian.
Timber firms have made significant contributions to employment and revenue generation. Hence, in recent years, many of these firms have faced severe challenges, leading to the collapse of many of them due to a lack of leadership responsibility..
The Ashanti Region, which has been historically recognized as having the largest number of timber companies, now finds that most of these companies are no longer in operation.
One of the industry players at Logs Court told the Damak Media that the problem is so intractable that they have no alternative but to put down their tools following the recent unchecked, lackadaisical, and foot-dragging behaviour of the Forestry Commission, for woefully fail to enforce the laws to protecting the forestry.
” In recent days, illegal logging seems to be influenced by the commission”. The fight against illegal logging has now been compromised.
This practice, according to the Managing Director, Ahmed Alhassan, involves illegal chainsaw operations not only deplete forest resources but also undermine legal businesses, compelling the firms to shut down.
Mr. Ahmed reveals that the Commission doesn’t care about the timber firms well-being but rather focus on the Commission’s welfare.
The situation, he said, has forced their foreign customers to divert their demand to Bukina Faso and other countries.
“The Commission’s routine increase of charges on the firms is affecting its sustainability”.
The legitimacy of the firms to operate locally is also attack by the commission. “A legitimate timber operator can no longer transport logs or plywood locally without being arrested”.
The sad story of timber firms, especially in the Ashanti Region, has been largely contributed to by the commission. The era where forest guards are stationed in the forest to prevent illegal logging, is not happening anymore.”The forest has been abandoned”.
Mr. Ahmed underscored the urgency in fighting galamsey cannot be underestimated…owever, we cannot also sacrifice the forest for illegal chainsaw operation.
The consistent failure to inject efficiency by recruiting forest guards to monitor and enforce the laws on illegal chainsaw operators, the commission is reluctant to ensure promptness in the forest.
Mr. Ahmed went further to elaborate on how timber firms play a pivotal role in the Mahama 24-Hour Economy when government adopt sustainable forestry practices. By prioritizing sustainability through owners of the firms.
Timber, he said, is a significant contributor to the national economy, providing employment and generating foreign exchange. However, the sector faces challenges, including deforestation, illegal logging, and unsustainable leadership failure.
He, however tasked the forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to involve company owners when making policies or decisions for the sector since they are key industry players to champion for the revamping of the timber industry.