Project description

The SMEs who mostly operate informally, do not follow the regulations guiding the harvesting and processing of timber thus threatening sustainability of the forest resources. Additionally, they do not pay requisite taxes and royalties thus the state loses considerable revenues. For example, chainsaw enterprises generate an annual income of between USD 14.2 and USD 20.5 million the state incurs a revenue loss estimated at USD 18 million / year (Owusu Ansah, 2008). Recognizing the important roles that SMEs play in national development, especially in the alleviation of rural poverty, there is need for designing and adopting an institutional support system to enable SMEs to become VPA compliant. Broader participation of all key stakeholders in VPA processes must also be pursued to achieve overall success. Continue Reading.. .

Introduction

Ghana was the first country to enter into a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Community under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) in 2008, which was ratified in 2009. The Agreement provides a framework under which all timber and timber products exports from Ghana into the European Union (EU) should be legally sourced, as well as timber meant for the domestic market. The main instrument of the VPA hinges on a Legality Assurance System (LAS) of which wood tracking and verification systems will guarantee that timber and timber products exported to the EU are legally compliant. The first FLEGT license for export is expected to be issued in 2014. To ensure legality of timber for the domestic market, Ghana has adopted a domestic timber market policy and formulated procurement guidelines. . Continue Reading.. .

Project Objectives

The main objective of this project is to strengthen the institutional capacity and knowledge base of SMEs to facilitate adherence to the VPA domestic licensing regime towards improved forest governance in Ghana.
SMTE PRODUCTS
• Carpentry Products (Tables, Chairs, Doors, Windows, Beds
• Lumber/Logs, Canoe, Artefacts
• Carved stools, doll, e.t.c . Continue Reading. .

Project Outputs

The project has three main outputs, namely;
i. Networking and coordination among SMEs enhanced
ii. Capacity and skills of SMEs to enhance participation in the VPA process developed
Iii. Monitoring, evaluation and visibility framework developed. . Continue Reading. .

Achievements

• Project launched and results disseminated amongst SMEs and key stakeholders for additional inputs towards successful implementation of the VPA
• Nationwide identification and mapping of all timber producing SMEs completed
• Capacity & Training needs of SMEs conducted and Training Programme designed
• Strategy for SME networking unto a national platform completed
• Awareness raising of over 200 members of varied SME groups on tenets of the VPA conducted in across major timber operational areas. .

Implementing Organisation

The Resource Management Support Centre (RMSC) is the research/technical wing of the Forestry Commission (FC). It is responsible for the exploration, development, facilitation, institutionalization, and implementation and monitoring of effective and affordable forest and wildlife management systems in Ghana, in accordance with the national forest and wildlife policy.. Continue Reading.. .