More former chainsaw operators embrace the artisanal milling concept

More former chainsaw operators embrace the artisanal milling concept

Ghana - 09 May, 2014

Artisanal milling which has been proposed as the legal alternative to illegal chainsaw milling by stakeholders under the EU chainsaw milling project is gaining momentum amongst former chainsaw operators in Ghana. This was observed when two groups made up of former illegal chainsaw operators at Insusiding a community in Bogoso under the Tarkwa Forest District and Akyem Apoli in the Oda Forest District called on the project secretariat to provide them with the requisite skills and training to enable them operate legally under the concept of artisanal milling.

The proposed concept of artisanal milling requires that the miller has been trained, registered, licensed and certified to carry out the activity. Within the framework of the EU chainsaw milling project artisanal milling trainings have been given to similar groups in other forest districts. The project secretariat has agreed to provide these new groups with training in group dynamics, business management, appropriate machine use and routine maintenance, occupational health and safety and entrepreneurial skills. The secretariat will also provide assistance to these groups in their registration and licensing as well as sourcing of legal logs mainly through partnership agreements with forest concession holders. In return, the groups will be required to practice to the concept of artisanal milling, and supply legal lumber to the domestic market.

The increased capacity and coming into business of these groups will reduce illegal logging and provide livelihood support to these former chainsaw operators. It is anticipated that the concept of artisanal milling will continue to gain more prominence in the Ghanaian forest sector. It is a step forward in implementing Ghana’s obligation to address domestic timber market issues under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement.