Woodworkers Association of Ghana are fuming with rage over the state’s preference for imported Chinese furniture over locally made ones.

The state sidestepped the Association to order and pay for furniture from China which the latter insists could be made here in Ghana.

Ghana’s legislators were severely criticized in November last year after Parliament took delivery of similar furniture for the renovated chamber.

Five months after that development sparked a huge controversy, the judiciary has incurred the wrath of woodworkers for following the footsteps of Parliament. The judiciary has taken delivery of China-made office tables and chairs to fill an ultra modern high court building complex in Accra.

Selected journalists including Joy News' Kwakye Afreh Nuamah were taken on a tour of the plush new building and were shown specimens of the new Chinese chairs and tables.

The Project Coordinator J.A Yeboah told journalists the Chinese were able to meet the required specifications for the chairs and tables.

However the Vice President of the Woodworkers Association, Joseph Kumah told Joy News none of the members was informed of the move to purchase the furniture.

“I am very, very surprised,” he expressed his frustration about the state not giving local producers such lucrative contracts.  

Admittedly, he said even though individually, they may not be able to meet the demand, collectively, their members are more than capable of meeting Government’s specifications and demand.

He described the failure of the state to “consult or invite” them for the project as “strange”.

After the Parliament brouhaha, the Association thought they would be given a chance when a similar contract came up, Mr. Joseph Kumah said.

The Association is ready to meet the Made in Ghana Committee at the Trade Ministry to put forth their concerns and state their displeasure about the importation of works that can be executed locally.