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Exportation of Timber in Ghana: The Menace of Illegal Logging Operations

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  • Paul Sarfo-Mensah

    (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the linkage between external timber trade in Ghana and the increased incidence of illegal chainsaw operations which do not only threaten the country’s forests and other natural resources but also the erosion of the basis for sustainable agriculture which is the main-stay of the country’s economy. It uses ethnographic data from case studies of a recent research in selected forest reserves fringe communities in High Forest Zone of the country to explain the frustrations of local people with government policies that favour export to the neglect of local demand for timber and wood products. Although government pronouncements suggest that it is gaining an upper hand in the battle against illegal logging operations, evidence on the ground suggests that the greater part of the lumber on the local markets is supplied through illegal means predominated by itinerant chainsaw operators and their urban financiers . The paper concludes that the country’s forest and tree resources face massive degradation and overexploitation if the government does not take a bold decision on illegal logging, especially the activities of chainsaw operators. An option, though unpalatable and politically sensitive, may be the mainstreaming of chainsaw operations through the re-introduction of limited permits to registered local groups of timber traders and their chainsaw operators to supply the domestic market. This should be under a system which enjoins such groups to be collectively responsible for the activities of their members. And, the government should also strengthen the Forestry Services Division (FSD) to design and operationalize an enhanced monitoring and surveillance system of logging activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Sarfo-Mensah, 2005. "Exportation of Timber in Ghana: The Menace of Illegal Logging Operations," Working Papers 2005.29, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
  • Handle: RePEc:fem:femwpa:2005.29
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hyde, William F & Amacher, Gregory S & Magrath, William, 1996. "Deforestation and Forest Land Use: Theory, Evidence, and Policy Implications," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 11(2), pages 223-248, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hirons, M. & McDermott, C. & Asare, R. & Morel, A. & Robinson, E. & Mason, J. & Boyd, E. & Malhi, Y. & Norris, K, 2018. "Illegality and inequity in Ghana’s cocoa-forest landscape: How formalization can undermine farmers control and benefits from trees on their farms," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 405-413.
    2. Nanang, David M., 2010. "Analysis of export demand for Ghana's timber products: A multivariate co-integration approach," Journal of Forest Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(1), pages 47-61, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic recovery program (ERP); Timber exportation; Illegal chainsaw operation; Timber traders; High forest zone; Forestry services division (FSD);
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth
    • O5 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies

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