Updated in March, 2025 — The Knowledge for World Conservation (KWC), supported by the UKaid Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through its Forest Governance, Markets, and Climate Programme (FGMC), organized a series of one-day training workshops to introduce the Second Edition of the Lesser-Known Species/Lesser-Used Species (LKS/LUS) Compendium and the updated GhTimber Atlas mobile application. The workshops were held in Kumasi, Techiman, Takoradi and Accra, targeting over 200 stakeholders (including contractors, researchers, educators, and wood vendors, to explore innovative tools and solutions for sustainable timber utilization) in the Ashanti, Bono East, Western and Greater Accra Regions of Ghana.
With the depletion of traditionally used timber species in Ghana, the workshop sought to address the growing demand for alternative timber options by introducing participants to an expanded compendium of 44 LKS/LUS and the GhTimber Atlas mobile application. These tools provide comprehensive technical information, including species availability, properties, and recommended applications, empowering users to make informed decisions about wood selection for various construction activities.
The training drew about 200 participants from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Members of the Federation of Industry Associations of Ghana (FIAG), such as FAWAG, WAG, and WiTG.
- Tertiary wood users and vendors from Bono, Bono-East, Northern, Ashanti, and Ahafo regions.
- Academic institutions offering wood-related programs, including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Technical University, Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Sunyani Technical University, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Accra Technical University and Takoradi Technical University.
- Forestry Commission officers (TIDD and FCTC), researchers from FORIG, and members of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG).
- Local artisan groups like the Handicrafts and Carvers groups in Kumasi, Aburi and Accra, the Asante Akyem Wood Workers Association and plantation timber growers.
Participants lauded the workshop for its relevance and practicality. "The compendium and app are groundbreaking tools. I now have the confidence to explore new timber options for my projects," remarked a contractor from Kumasi. A researcher from KNUST noted, "This initiative bridges the gap between research and industry, enabling practical application of knowledge to support sustainable timber use." A member of the Sunyani branch of FAWAG said; "The demonstrations and simplified explanations made technical details easy to grasp. I feel better equipped to guide my clients on wood selection".
Through these regional training workshops, KWC seeks to reduce over-reliance on overexploited timber species, promote the adoption of sustainable alternatives, and enhance efficiency across Ghana’s construction sector. The initiative aligns with global efforts to ensure sustainable forest management and supports the livelihoods of stakeholders throughout the timber value chain. The success of the workshop reaffirms the importance of continuous capacity building and stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainable development goals within the timber industry.
Similar workshops will take place in Takoradi and Accra and KWC remains committed to facilitating innovation and collaboration to address industry challenges and ensure a thriving, sustainable future for Ghana’s forests.
