China approves Ghana’s proposal to construct Bamboo, Rattan Processing and Demonstration Center

The Chinese Government has approved Ghana’s proposal for the construction of a Bamboo and Rattan Processing and Demonstration Center at Ayi-Mensah near Accra in the Greater Accra Region, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, Lands and Natural Resources Minister, has announced.

He said the seven-million-dollar project would provide skills training for Ghanaian artisans and investors in the bamboo industry.

“I am hopeful that this facility when constructed will further enhance the sector’s performance,” Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said on December 4 during the Ministry’s meet the press series in Accra.

The Minister gave an overview on the current status of implementation of programmes and projects being pursued by his Ministry within the National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework (2018-2021) and other National and International Strategic Plans such as the Sector Medium Term Plans (2018-2021), the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) and the African Union Agenda (2063).

Asomah-Cheremeh said as part of efforts to find suitable alternatives to timber resources, Bamboo and Rattan, which together constitute the two largest Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) of Ghana, have been identified. He said these resources have been proven to be the most suitable complement to timber usages such as building and construction, pulpwood, flooring, panel products and furniture.

“In addition, bamboo is a unique material with a range of socio-economic and environmental benefits and hence it is the desire of the government to protect these resources and promote its utilization. In view of these, the Ministry has commenced various interventions to create awareness on the potentials of bamboo and rattan and also build capacities of artisans in the use of the material,” he added.

Asomah-Cheremeh said a few weeks ago, the Ministry in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, organised intensive four-week training for over 100 Ghanaian artisans to upgrade their skills in various products design and processing. He said the training was very successful as fantastic bamboo and rattan products were produced.

With inputs from agency.