In response to recent media reports alleging harassment of members of the Sokoban Wood Village, the Forestry Commission (FC) has held a stakeholder engagement with key players in the timber industry to address concerns, resolve misunderstandings, and foster stronger collaboration.
The meeting brought together executives from the Domestic Lumber Traders Association (DOLTA), the Domestic Lumber Millers Association of Ghana (DOLMAG), and other industry stakeholders. Addressing the gathering, the Acting Chief Executive of FC, Dr. Hugh Brown, expressed his surprise at seeing the issue highlighted online, given that the Commission had already held constructive discussions with the group in May to address grievances. He welcomed all present and emphasised the need for a mutually beneficial outcome from the dialogue.
The Acting National President of the Ghana Timber Trade and Industry Association (GTTIA), Mr. Alexander Dadzie, explained that their visit to the Commission was focused on advancing the development of the timber industry. He also took the opportunity to formally apologize for the concerns that had been raised in the media. ”At the time, it seemed like the best way foward”, he admitted. “We now recognise our misstep and will ensure that this does not happen again, as we appreciate that without your work, we do not exist”
Madam Lydia Opoku, Acting Executive Director of the Forest Services Division (FSD), acknowledged the apology and reiterated that the Commission’s role is purely regulatory, with the sole aim of supporting growth within the timber industry. “We give prominence to your apology as we do to your grievances”, she stated, urging that future concerns be addressed directly with the Commission, which she said remains ever ready to facilitate amicable resolutions.
A key issue raised during the discussions was the increased cost of documentation for lumber transportation. Stakeholders noted that fees, which initially stood at GH¢1,000, had unexpectedly increased to GH¢4,500. The Commission explained that this was a temporary measure agreed upon during the May discussions to address the backlog of wood at Sokoban Wood Village, which had been unable to reach the market due to fiscal challenges. A one-off payment system was introduced as part of the resolution to clear the backlog.
Another concern raised was the alleged invalidation of FC-approved transportation permits when trucks reached Accra, despite being cleared in Kumasi. Dr. Alexander Asum, Coordinator of the National Timber Monitoring Unit, FSD, addressed the issue, explaining that discrepancies often occur due to infractions such as undeclared wood species or mismatches between documented and transported quantities. He noted that while such issues are recurrent, the Commission’s penalty structure targets the offending trucks rather than the wood itself.
After extensive deliberations, the Forestry Commission resolved that the Timber Validation Department (TVD) would conduct sensitisation programs for stakeholders at Sokoban Wood Village on proper documentation procedures and compliance with policy requirements. Additionally, Dr. Richard Gyimah, Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), agreed with suggestions to establish a TIDD office at the Sokoban Wood Village. This office will act as a secondary verification point for permits and documentation before lumber transportation, thereby reducing discrepancies.
The engagement concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties and promoting growth within the timber industry. The meeting ended with a photo session to mark the renewed partnership.
