Afienya: The Forestry Commission (FC) has committed to assisting West Coast Wooden Products Limited, a plywood manufacturing company, by allocating them degraded forest land to establish their own plantations. This initiative aims to resolve the company's raw material shortages and enhance their production capabilities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Chief Executive of FC, Dr. Hugh Clement A. Brown, highlighted the importance of this support during a visit to the company's facilities in Afienya, Greater Accra Region. He noted the company's current challenges with raw material supply and emphasized the need for self-sufficiency to meet production demands.
Dr. Brown expressed optimism about the company's infrastructure, which is designed to operate continuously. However, he identified raw material shortage as a limiting factor. He suggested that with government intervention, the company could expand operations from one shift to potentially three, enabling a 24-hour production cycle.
Currently, West Coast Wooden Products Limited employs approximately 1,400 workers across two processing facilities, with plans to expand the workforce to 5,000, thereby creating significant employment opportunities. Dr. Brown also noted the timber industry's potential to generate sustainable jobs and boost the economy.
Mr. Elikem Kotoko, Deputy Chief Executive of FC, affirmed the Commission's commitment to ensuring sustainable operations within the timber industry. He highlighted the company's recent accomplishment in exporting products to the European Union under a legal governance framework, demonstrating compliance with sustainable sourcing practices.
Dr. Richard Gyimah, Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division, commended the company's diversification plans, which promise to enhance job creation and add value within the Tema, Afienya, and surrounding areas. He also praised the company's efforts to utilize waste products for energy generation, reducing electricity consumption.
Mr. Arnold Dodzi Susuawu, Head of Sales at West Coast Wooden Products Limited, shared future plans to develop a furniture manufacturing segment, aimed at providing additional employment opportunities. He also expressed the company's willingness to collaborate with vocational and technical institutions for practical training opportunities.