The Woodworkers Association of Ghana (WAG) is embarking on a tree plantation initiative as part of strategies to secure the future of the industry. Availability of wood, as the main raw material for the tertiary wood industry, has been a major setback to the growth of the sector. WAG hopes to keep carpenters and other woodworkers in business with the aforestation project, which has taken off in some districts in the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country. General Secretary, Abdullah Bin Abubakar says “the association mobilizes its members and we purchase the wood seedlings for the plantations, with the intention that in future as we are depleting what is available now, there will be something to harvest in future and the business will continue”. He says whilst the Association take steps to replenish depleted forests, it expects intensified education on chainsaw operations for members to better appreciate its impact. Mr. Bin Abubakar says the group is in discussion with concerned governmental agencies to make wood available on the local market. SPEED Ghana has also initiated a project with the Association to increase the value of finished wood products on the market. The WAG General Secretary spoke to Luv Biz Report at the inauguration of the resuscitated Ashanti Regional branch of the association in Kumasi. Newly-elected Regional Chairman, Kwadwo Twumasi says the group will intensify engagements with government in addressing challenges with access to forest-products, which is the backbone of the industry. Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh/Luv FM/Ghana