Sustainable Solutions: Collaborative Efforts in Ghana’s Forestry Sector
The recent establishment of the Forest Industries Association of Ghana (FIAG) represents a significant milestone, uniting 11 trade and business associations within the private forestry sector in Ghana. This not-for-profit consortium is dedicated to addressing shared challenges and promoting a sustainable operational framework.
Richard Nsenkyire, the President of the Association, has outlined the priority areas of FIAG, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of circular economy and green economy principles. He noted that some processing companies are adjusting their operations to utilise more of their residues, while others are supplying their residues to other entities for further processing.
The overarching objective of FIAG is to bolster corporate performance and advocate for a unified stance on forestry sector concerns. Nsenkyire highlighted the significant role played by the 300,000 individuals employed by the member firms in plantation development, logging, manufacturing, haulage and equipment services, sales and marketing, and capacity building.
The businesses within the forestry sector indirectly support various other industries through their consumption of products from other members, contributing to the socio-economic development of Ghana. Furthermore, they serve as major consumers of electricity, fuel, plant and machine accessories, with other players in the economy depending on them for their own business operations.
Notwithstanding these contributions, the forestry industry faces several challenges, including reduced raw material supply from forest reserves – a decrease from 1 million m3 to 500,000 m3. Additionally, there is a decline in log production in off-reserve areas due to inadequate incentives for farmers to retain timber trees on their farms, alongside environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and farming.
Dr. Kwame Asamoah Adam, the Chief Executive Officer of FIAG, has identified the transition to a green economy business model as a critical step for companies to achieve sustainable development targets. He has underscored the importance of resource and energy efficiency, sustainable production, and the use of environmentally friendly technologies in realising this transition.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Forest Industries Association of Ghana underscores the collaborative efforts of private business associations within the forestry sector to address common challenges and strive towards a sustainable future. The focus on green economic models and sustainable business practices signifies the commitment of these organisations to environmental conservation and socio-economic development.
This article has been penned by Kofi Adu Domfeh.
