Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission Elikem Kotoko has shared insightful observations on Ghana’s timber industry while speaking at a collaborative engagement with Columbus Net investors and potential partners.
Mr Kotoko pointed out a critical gap in Ghana’s wood export strategy. “In Ghana, for instance, we always export our wood in primary form, some to the secondary level.
“We do not add value to it,” he explained. Highlighting the success of countries like Vietnam, he added, “If you go to Vietnam, for instance, they even import from us and add value to it, and the revenue they generate from that more than quadruples what they actually have invested into it.”
The Deputy CEO emphasized the vast opportunities within the sector, mentioning “cheap boards and MDS” (medium-density fiberboards) as key areas to explore.
He shared a practical approach to evaluating market potential, saying, “Wherever I go, I look at the furniture around and ask myself where it is coming from.”
Kotoko also urged for innovative sustainability practices and digital transformation in public engagements.
“If I am working at Forestry Commission, I would also have to be advocating that for every forum I attend, we would also be instituting that even in Ghana, that for every public event, even programme lineups should not be printed on paper. Rather, it should be made on a QR code so you can just come and access it,” he suggested.
