Staff and students of the Department of Wood Science and Technology, at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), visited the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) Headquarters in Takoradi, Western Region for a two-day industrial training.
The main purpose of the industrial training was to help staff and students acquaint themselves with timber grading and inspection procedures, wood identification processes and timber export and trading procedures. It was also aimed to provide students with hands-on experience in the timber industry, and enable them to acquire practical skills and knowledge in the industry’s day to day operations.
The two- day industrial training program, consisted of both theoretical and practical sessions where students numbered 71, were grouped into two batches with two staff in each batch, to ensure an efficient and effective running of the program.
The theoretical aspect of the program was held at the Division’s Boardroom in Takoradi, where the students were lectured on the historical background, registration, various functions of the Division, timber export and trading procedures, which was facilitated by the Contracts and Permit Manager, TIDD, Mr. Kumih Yaw Gyabaah.
The Operations Manager, TIDD, Mr. Eric Abbeyquaye who is also the acting Trade and Industry Manager, lectured the participants on some of the operational activities of the Division, such as the marketing and promotion of the Lesser Used Species(LUS), Ghana Wood Tracking System(GWTS) and an insight into the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) which was signed by the government of Ghana and the European Union(EU).
Mr. Ophelious Lambog, Grading and Inspection Manager, TIDD, also took the participants to the newly established Wood Identification laboratory at the Divisions headquarters, which was inaugurated last March by the Chief Executive of Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey, to educate them on the wood identification processes using anatomical features. The staff and students were awed to see wood cells for the first time at the Wood laboratory.
The practical aspect of the training was held at Mundial Veneer Ltd, Ghana Primewood Products sawmills, and timber processing plants in Takoradi, Western Region. The field trip was facilitated by the Takoradi Area Manager, Mr. Michael Ofosu, who allowed the students to observe and participate in the various processes involved in converting timber into finished products. They learned about grading and inspection procedures and how safety measures are maintained at the workplace.
Mr. Peter Zormelo, Acting Director of Operations, TIDD, who welcomed the staff and students to the Division in his remarks, said the industrial training program has provided the students with invaluable practical experience in the timber industry, which is becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for wood-based products on the global market. “The training will also help the students identify potential career paths in the industry and gain better understanding of the sector’s contribution to the economy”, he added.
According to Professor Kojo Agyapong Afrifah, Head of Department of Wood Science, KNUST, who led the 71 students and three other staff for the industrial training program, the students have learnt about the various aspects of the industry, acquired practical skills, and gained insights into career opportunities in the sector. To him, the training program offered a comprehensive learning experience that will prepare the students for a successful career in the timber industry. He also expressed his profound gratitude on behalf of his staff and students to the management of TIDD for the warm reception they were offered
