The Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC) at Akyawkrom-Ejisu, near Kumasi, is pursuing a certification program for artisans in Ghana’s wood processing industry to promote professionalism in the sector.

The dwindling forest resource demands prudent use of lumber in furniture making, among others.

Centre Director, Joseph Boakye, says the impartation of appropriate skills and knowledge will position artisans to maximize utilization of raw materials.

The FCTC is currently engaged in the upgrade of the skills of master craftsmen in carpentry, joinery and other woodworks to standardize their operations.

“We want to organize proper training and certification of apprentices,” he said. “We’ll examine them but the examination will be practical oriented because we want them to have the skills to be able to do hands-on training”.

Mr. Boakye believes the certification scheme will enhance competition and afford artisans the opportunity to bid for contracts.

“Once they have certificates to show that they’ve gone through proper training and they are well skilled, it will even make it easier for them to get contracts,” he noted.

Mr. Boakye also says there is an opportunity for youth, especially JHS and SHS levers, to be gainfully employment in the wood sector.

He observed that “most of the people in the carpentry are growing old; we have ageing workforce [because] it is not something that is attractive to the youth but it is a very good work”.

In addition to the training, the FCTC (formerly the Wood Industries Training Centre) is also committing to support the apprentices in accessing wood for their start-ups.

Meanwhile, the Woodworkers Association of Ghana is hoping the Forestry Commission will grant the group a land concession to venture into tree plantation.

President of the Association, Reynolds Debrah, is hopeful afforestation project will keep woodworkers in business.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh