A decade and half of Ghana’s trade in African Mahogany: A Review

Abstract

This paper sought to review Ghana’s performance with regard to trade in African mahogany from 2001 to 2015. The study assessed the volume, types of product exported, extent of product innovation and export destinations of the species and wood products in general. From the results, the highest export volume was recorded in 2007 (32,149m³) and the least of 14,082m³ in 2001. The timber industry was mainly involved in secondary processing of mahogany as veneer, block board, air and kiln dried lumber and plywood. Tertiary processing was comparatively low and products like floorings and furniture parts were rarely exported. The major markets were in Europe, Africa, America, Asia and the Middle East. Considering the depletion of this important timber species in the national forest estate and its attendant loss of revenue, Ghana should vigorously restock degraded areas and incentivize mills engaged in tertiary processing of timber species.