The country’s timber export value for the third quarter of 2024 amounted to 92.6 million euros out of a target of 145 million euros, Mr John Allotey, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, has said.

He said the export timber volume was 290,000 207,902 m3, while the production of domestic lumber was 450,000 489,977 m3.

The top five timber exports are lumber (air-dried and kiln-dried), billets, plywood, and rotary veneer.

Mr Allotey announced this at this year’s Chief Executive’s award and recognition ceremony in Accra.

He said the Commission organised its annual Health Week celebration to promote healthier lifestyles among staff members. 

As part of efforts to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of staff, the Commission trained 447 staff in different fields. 

Mr Allotey said the Commission’s training centre, together with the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, inaugurated the Certificate in Natural Resource Management course on July 15, 2024.

He said 67 freshmen, made up of 53 males and 14 females, were matriculated to start the maiden 18-month course. 

The Chief Executive said the 2024 edition of the Green Ghana Day committed to planting 10 million seedlings.

He said the Commission met with some representatives of traditional authorities and timber industry players to increase the Timber Stumpage fees to 40 per cent, effective September 15, 2024.

The review, he stressed, became necessary due to the depreciation of the local currency and high inflation rates. 

Mr Allotey said the Commission set an annual 20,000-hectare target for both government and private plantations. 

“As of September 2024, 11,743 hectares of degraded land had been planted by both the Commission and the private sector. 

“Also, a total area of 29,388 hectares of established plantations had been maintained,” he said.

He said the Forest Service Division, with the support of the Rapid Response Unit, stepped up its efforts to combat the menace of illegal mining in the country.

“As of the end of November, a total of 525 persons were arrested and are being prosecuted. Various equipment used in illegal offences was also confiscated or demobilised,” he said.

He said Ghana had set June 30, 2025, as the date to deliver its first consignment of

Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensed timber to the European Union (EU).

The milestone will make Ghana the second in the world after Indonesia and the first and only African country to comply with the EU FLEGT regulation on timber and timber products.

Mr Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, commended the staff for their remarkable performances in meeting the mandate of the Commission.

He urged them to continue to work harder and justify their award.

Staff who distinguished themselves were awarded for their contribution to the growth of the Commission.

They were presented with an amount of GH¢3,000 each, a fridge, a television, and a certificate.