The dwindling forest resource demands prudent use of
lumber in furniture making, among others.
Centre Director, Joseph Boakye, says the impartation of
appropriate skills and knowledge will position artisans to maximize utilization
of raw materials.
The FCTC is currently engaged in the upgrade of the
skills of master craftsmen in carpentry, joinery and other woodworks to
standardize their operations.
“We want to organize proper training and certification
of apprentices,” he said. “We’ll examine them but the examination will be
practical oriented because we want them to have the skills to be able to do
hands-on training”.
Mr. Boakye believes the certification scheme will
enhance competition and afford artisans the opportunity to bid for contracts.
“Once they have certificates to show that they’ve gone
through proper training and they are well skilled, it will even make it easier
for them to get contracts,” he noted.
Mr. Boakye also says there is an opportunity for youth,
especially JHS and SHS levers, to be gainfully employment in the wood sector.
He observed that “most of the people in the carpentry
are growing old; we have ageing workforce [because] it is not something that is
attractive to the youth but it is a very good work”.
In addition to the training, the FCTC (formerly the
Wood Industries Training Centre) is also committing to support the apprentices
in accessing wood for their start-ups.
Meanwhile, the Woodworkers Association of Ghana is
hoping the Forestry Commission will grant the group a land concession to
venture into tree plantation.
President of the Association, Reynolds Debrah, is hopeful
afforestation project will keep woodworkers in business.
Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh
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