The timber industry in Ghana has historically been a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, providing employment, foreign exchange, and raw materials for local industries.
owever, in recent years, the sector has been facing numerous challenges that have led to the decline and collapse of many timber firms in the country.
Ghana’s timber industry thrived due to the abundant forest resources and the establishment of numerous timber firms.
The sector was a major export earner, with countries in Europe, Asia, and North America being primary markets for Ghanaian timber. However, the industry’s fortunes have waned due to several interconnected factors.
The Director of Logs Court Company, Ltd, Alhassan Ahmed in an exclusive interview with the Daily Democrat newspaper intercepted by the amnewsworld.com content writer, expressed fear and panic about the gradual dying of the timber industry.
Mr. Ahmed contended that the primary cause of the timber industry’s decline in Ghana is the overexploitation of forest resources, and illegal logging galamsey activities resulting in a significant reduction in available timber resources.
According to him, despite government efforts to curb illegal activities, the practice remains rampant due to weak law enforcement, and corruption.
Mr. Ahmed was of the view that production has become so expensive and this has been one of the key reasons many timber firms are dying. Adding, the cost of electricity in recent times is skyrocketing he mentioned; that labor, electricity, taxes, illegal logging, and galamsey activities are actors that are dragging the industry to its dying knees.
Ahmed expressed fearfully that, if immediate steps failed to be facilitated before the end of the year 2024, most timber firms would be closed down due to the factors raised above.
In his humble appeal to the government, he estimated that the collapse of Ghana’s timber industry is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors.
However, by implementing sustainable measures, it is possible to revive and sustain this crucial sector.
Through these efforts, Ghana can protect its natural heritage while fostering economic growth and development.
Source:matcommedia.com