Ban on rosewood still in force

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reminded the public, especially dealers in rosewood, that the ban on the harvesting, transportation, processing, export or sale of rosewood in any form is still in force.

“Further, no rosewood timber in any form will be allowed as transit timber through Ghana. This measure is being instituted to curtail the practice where rosewood is illegally harvested in Ghana, transported to our neighbouring countries and brought back into the country as transit timber,” it said

A statement signed by the outgoing sector Minister, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, said all existing permits and licences issued by the Forestry Commission for harvesting, transportation, processing, export or sale of rosewood in any form were revoked.

It said the recent permits and licences issued to companies for the removal, harvesting, processing and exportation of rosewood from the Bui Dam site and other areas were also revoked.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the conveyance permits of the under-listed companies are hereby revoked with immediate effect,” it said.

It named the affected companies as Messrs Nana Adu Tutu and Sons Limited, Messrs Sidakon Woods Limited, Messrs Boakyewaa Enterprise Limited, Messrs Kambonse Ghana Limited, Messrs Time Concept Limited, Messrs Commodities Limited and Messrs Meyiri Company Limited.

The statement said the Forestry Commission, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the law enforcement agencies in and along the country’s borders were also requested to ensure that the ban as directed was enforced.