To establish the policy, legal, administrative, financial and technical bases for sustainable forest management including biodiversity conservation, collaboration and efficient utilisation of forest products by private and public sectors and local communities.

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The under-pricing of Ghana's timber resource has been one of the most intransigent problems in the sector. The new Regulations on Timber Resources Management (L.I 1649) provide for timber stumpage rates that are linked to export market prices (comprising a royalty for the resource owners and a forest management fee for the resource stewards). The new Regulations and the parent Timber Resources Management Act (547) will replace timber concession leases with performance oriented timber utilisation contracts.

            Until regulation of felling and log movement are improved, the GoG will not consider lifting the temporary suspension on log exports. During NRMP I a study will be undertaken to help decide if a log export ban is the most efficient way of protecting the resource base, or if another policy (e.g. an export levy) would have the same effect at a lower economic cost.

The sub component is supported by the Natural Resources Management Project (IDA.

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The Timber Export Development Board (TEDB) will be merged with the Forest Product Inspection Bureau (FPIB) to form the Timber Industry Development Board (TIDB).

A Merger Implementation Committee will oversee the transition process. A Plan of Action will be prepared in order to guide the merger process.

The creation of a managerially efficient GFS will involve the following key tasks, over a five year period:

  Establishment of a functioning financial management and reporting system. The SUN    accounts system will be tested at HQ and then at regional and district level.

  Creation of a fully mobile GFS.

  Implementation of the HRD strategy developed in phase 1. The strategy covers operational job descriptions, recruitment policy, conditions of service, successional planning, performance appraisal system, grading and pay and gender sensitivity.

  Training will be undertaken to create the necessary skills and attitudes amongst the GFS staff, this will include reorientation and change management, management skills, team management, training of trainers and legal training.

  Decision making will be decentralised to regional and district levels. Organisational  restructuring will be completed and all positions will be filled, regional and district offices will be refurbished.

A series of activities will also be designed in order to promote the efficient external monitoring capacity of the GFS.

In order to promote the effective delivery of client services by the GFS, support will be provided to the establishment of sustainable high forest resource management and the creation of a new FMIS. [Refer to © and (d) below.] 

The sub component is supported by the Natural Resources Management Project (IDA) and the Forest Sector Development Project Phase 2 (DFID)

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The integrated forest reserve management system aims to ensure that the permanent forest estate is managed in accordance with the aims and objectives of the 1994 Policy. The new system integrates strategies for the protection of environmental and biological quality, the sustainable production of timber and NTFPs for national and local economies and the provision of benefits and returns to local resource owning communities.

NRMP I will support the creation of widespread awareness across Ghana of the Forest and Wildlife Policy, integrated forest reserve management planning and the rights and roles of different stakeholders. Publicity will also be given to the GFS Service Charter and the NRMP I. Information will be directed at the general public, the media, the staff of the GFS, government agencies, District Assemblies, traditional authorities, communities and NGOs.

NRMP I will support the full testing of the new strategic planning process in all regions. Forest reserve management plans covering at least 12 forest reserves (under the FMU context) will be prepared in collaboration with local people using the strategic planning system described in the new FD Manual of Procedures. A National Forest Plan will also be prepared. For six reserves a cost/benefit analysis will be undertaken. At the end of NRMP I, experience will be reviewed and the MOPs revised before the onset of NRMP II. The capacity of regional planning teams to manage the process of integrated forest reserve management planning will be built.

To ensure the forest reserve management plans are implemented in a timely and efficient manner, the FD has devised a new system of operational planning. This system will be established in all regions and districts throughout the HFZ based on the FD's new MoP.

Protection of environmental and biological quality will be an objective of management for most forest reserves. The mapping and pillaring of medium grained protection sites inside forest reserves, including hill sanctuaries, swamp sanctuaries, cultural sites and fire protection blocks will be completed during NRMP I.

Sustainable production of timber will be an objective of management in some reserves. During NRMP I the timber concessions lease system will be replaced by a system of Timber Utilisation Contracts, including Social Responsibility Agreements. The contracts will require adherence to the Code of Practice set out in the new FD Logging Manual. A forest management certification system and a timber-labelling scheme will also be introduced (refer sub component (f)).

The 1994 Policy places particular emphasis on people's participation in resource management. The GFS is committed to management of forest reserves in collaboration with local people. Communities will be fully consulted in the preparation of forest reserve management plans. All management plans will clearly specify the benefits local people will receive from the GFS's efficient management of their resource. The GFS will report regularly to its rural clients on progress in implementation of strategic plans. In many cases local people will be directly involved in forest reserve management operations. NRMP I will assist in capacity building for local communities, for instance in the cultivation of NTFPs, production of planting material or implementation of boundary maintenance contracts. Studies will be undertaken in order to design a programme of support for forest-based rural livelihoods and enterprises. The social analysis capacity of GFS will be built.

The sub component will be supported by the Natural Resources Management Project (IDA), Forest Protection and Resource Use Management Project (FORUM/GTZ), Forest Reserve Management in the Transitional Zone Project (JICA) and the proposed Forest Sector Development Project Phase 2 (DFID).

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The integrated forest reserve management system aims to ensure that the permanent forest estate is managed in accordance with the aims and objectives of the 1994 Policy. The new system integrates strategies for the protection of environmental and biological quality, the sustainable production of timber and NTFPs for national and local economies and the provision of benefits and returns to local resource owning communities.

NRMP I will support the creation of widespread awareness across Ghana of the Forest and Wildlife Policy, integrated forest reserve management planning and the rights and roles of different stakeholders. Publicity will also be given to the GFS Service Charter and the NRMP I. Information will be directed at the general public, the media, the staff of the GFS, government agencies, District Assemblies, traditional authorities, communities and NGOs.

NRMP I will support the full testing of the new strategic planning process in all regions. Forest reserve management plans covering at least 12 forest reserves (under the FMU context) will be prepared in collaboration with local people using the strategic planning system described in the new FD Manual of Procedures. A National Forest Plan will also be prepared. For six reserves a cost/benefit analysis will be undertaken. At the end of NRMP I, experience will be reviewed and the MOPs revised before the onset of NRMP II. The capacity of regional planning teams to manage the process of integrated forest reserve management planning will be built.

To ensure the forest reserve management plans are implemented in a timely and efficient manner, the FD has devised a new system of operational planning. This system will be established in all regions and districts throughout the HFZ based on the FD's new MoP.

Protection of environmental and biological quality will be an objective of management for most forest reserves. The mapping and pillaring of medium grained protection sites inside forest reserves, including hill sanctuaries, swamp sanctuaries, cultural sites and fire protection blocks will be completed during NRMP I.

Sustainable production of timber will be an objective of management in some reserves. During NRMP I the timber concessions lease system will be replaced by a system of Timber Utilisation Contracts, including Social Responsibility Agreements. The contracts will require adherence to the Code of Practice set out in the new FD Logging Manual. A forest management certification system and a timber-labelling scheme will also be introduced (refer sub component (f)).

The 1994 Policy places particular emphasis on people's participation in resource management. The GFS is committed to management of forest reserves in collaboration with local people. Communities will be fully consulted in the preparation of forest reserve management plans. All management plans will clearly specify the benefits local people will receive from the GFS's efficient management of their resource. The GFS will report regularly to its rural clients on progress in implementation of strategic plans. In many cases local people will be directly involved in forest reserve management operations. NRMP I will assist in capacity building for local communities, for instance in the cultivation of NTFPs, production of planting material or implementation of boundary maintenance contracts. Studies will be undertaken in order to design a programme of support for forest-based rural livelihoods and enterprises. The social analysis capacity of GFS will be built.

The sub component will be supported by the Natural Resources Management Project (IDA), Forest Protection and Resource Use Management Project (FORUM/GTZ), Forest Reserve Management in the Transitional Zone Project (JICA) and the proposed Forest Sector Development Project Phase 2 (DFID).

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The transitional zone (TZ) of Ghana is an environmentally fragile region of critical ecological importance, particularly for the maintenance of agricultural productivity in the high forest zone. However many lands in the TZ, including forest reserves, are severely impoverished and bereft of tree cover. Annual bushfires, exacerbated by indiscriminate logging, constitute one of the main threats to the improvement of agricultural and forest productivity in the TZ and to the restoration of the zone's natural ecology.

NRMP I will support the piloting of systems to protect forest resources in the transitional zone from bushfires. Building on initiatives already undertaken by the FD and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), new systems for fire prevention, early warning, detection, communication, suppression and control will be tested in parts of Brong Ahafo Region, Ashanti Region and Eastern Region during NRMP I. The NEDA has expressed interest in supporting this programme.

Detailed outputs and activities for phase 1 will be determined during the forthcoming NEDA/GOG appraisal mission. Tentatively, the main focus during NRMP I will be to develop and establish an institutional framework for implementation of bushfire management and control activities involving CBOs, traditional institutions, government agencies, extension services, NGOs, DAs and others.

Green firebreaks will be established around 7 selected forest reserves and communities around these reserves will be mobilised to maintain the fire breaks. GNFS staff and Volunteer Fire Fighting Squads will be organised and equipped. National and regional awareness campaigns will be launched by all means available including radio and TV.

A key task will be to develop and test systems for bushfire prevention, detection, early warning, isolation and control. Bushfire control activities will be piloted in selected forest reserves using an approach that is participatory and is integrated into surrounding land use and farming systems. On a pilot scale research and experimental activities may also be developed.

The sub component recognises that the problems related to bush fires cannot be solved overnight. The proposed NEDA support will extend over a ten-year period. Phase 1 is a two-year pilot phase, phase 2 a four-year implementation phase and phase 3 a four-year consolidation phase.

The implementing agencies concerned with this sub component must ensure a synergy with other sub components of HRM, particularly private forest plantation development, integrated forest reserve management and forest resource management off-reserve. There will be an interchange of experience with the SRM component and close collaboration with the Forest Fire Management Project being financed by the ITTO and implemented by FORIG, FD, GNFS, IRNR and the Forest Service of the USDA and a project for the Restoration and Conservation of the Bandai Hills Forest Reserve.

The sub-component will be supported by the Natural Resources Management Project Phase 1 (IDA) and may be supported by the proposed Bushfire Management Project: Detection, Prevention and Control for the Benefit of Forest Reserves and Surrounding Communities in the Transitional Zone of Ghana (NEDA). Fire prevention measures around forest reserves targeted for plantation development may also be supported by the Forest Plantation Development Project.

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In order to (i) satisfy the projected future demand for timber, (ii) rehabilitate unproductive lands, (iii) provide additional livelihood options for rural people and private investors and (iv) reduce pressure on the natural forest caused by over-exploitation of preferred species, NRMP will support the development of private forest plantations.

The MLF will establish an appropriate institutional framework and incentives structure conducive to the development of a demand-driven forest plantation programme for small, medium and large-scale investors. The framework includes (a) easier access to land for private timber plantation investors; (b) plantation establishment grants and credits; (c) efficient technical service delivery to tree growers; (d) improvement of the technical skills of all stakeholders; (e) availability of certified seeds in enough quantity; (f) environmental and social safeguards.

Because of the innovative nature of this sub-component, a cautious approach will be required initially, but it is intended to increase progressively the annual planted area, to reach at the end of a six year period, an establishment rate of 10,000 ha per annum.

A Forest Plantation Development Fund will be established, financed initially from the export levy on unprocessed/air dried timber exports, an ADB loan and EU grant funds. Mechanisms for disbursing technical assistance and incentives through the Fund, in the form of grants and loans to potential tree planters and small-scale nursery operators will be designed by the FPDC. Disbursements of grants and loans will be delegated to a Fund Manager at a commercial bank appointed by the Fund Trustees.

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The technical capacity of all stakeholders will be strengthened, including technical staff, professional foresters, nursery operators, small (including farmers) and large-scale plantation investors and sawmillers. Training programmes will be organised in collaboration with existing institutions. In addition, private consultancy firms and NGOs will be contracted to provide short-term specialised training courses. Public awareness campaigns will also be organised to attract potential tree growers and local authorities.

National Tree Seed Centre will be developed in association with which will be contracted to undertake adaptive research into alternative plantation species and to import certified seed and to ensure future supplies. Financing for this component is expected from two sources. The ADB will contribute long term credit to be disbursed through local commercial banks, while the European Union will contribute to the technical assistance elements, the establishment of the seed bank, research and training. The sub component is supported by the proposed Support to lang=EN-GB>Forest Plantation Development Project (EU) color:#3366FF' lang=EN-GB>Forest Plantation Development Project (ADB). Close links will be established with all other sub-components in the HRM component; particularly bushfire control, on and off reserve management and wood industry development.

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Ghana's narrow export base is one of the principal problems of its economy. Gold, timber and cocoa still account for more than 85% of total export revenue. Timber exports still rely heavily on primary products (logs and lumber) with little export of value-added products.  Moreover, timber exports mainly consist of only a few traditional wood species, many of which are over-exploited and in danger of economic extinction within the next few years. These problems are another sad consequence of continuous resource under-pricing. The increased stumpage rates will lead to more efficient recovery rates in the timber mills and a greater interest by the wood industry in value added processing of Lesser Used Species.

NRMP I will support the growth of tertiary value-added activities in the woodworking sector through technical assistance to firms and training institutions and the promotion of Lesser-Used Species [LUS]. An Export Incentives Scheme (EIS) and a Small Producers Scheme (SPS) to encourage processing of Lesser-Used Species (LUS) will be introduced. A subsidy scheme to support the purchase of kiln-drying equipment will be implemented.

Training institutions in the woodworking sector will be assisted to prepare and implement business plans and to develop new curricula to improve the standard of training.

In order to improve the efficiency of individual firms operating in the tertiary sector, a cost sharing/training voucher scheme will be introduced and training provided in machinery rehabilitation, production planning & quality control, moulding, design & marketing. A training plan will be developed and finalised and may take advantage of proposed IUCN technical assistance to training in Reduced Impact Logging (RIL).

A system for certifying the management of Ghana's forest resources, tracking logs and labelling timber products from certified forests will be developed and tested. An acceptable standard that defines the criteria for quality management of Ghana's forest resources will be developed to cover both on and off-reserve areas. The National Committee on Forest Certification (NCFC) has commissioned a Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop a draft standard entitled a System for Quality Management of Ghana's Forests.

A National Stakeholders Workshop will be convened to review the work of the TWG and to approve the final version of the standards. Subsequently, field testing of the draft standard will be carried out with the technical assistance of the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). Following evaluation of the results, further modifications will be made as necessary and presented to a second National Stakeholders Workshop.

Institutional structures to maintain the forest management certification systems and to regulate the activities of the certifiers will be designed. Proposals for a practical chain-of-custody system for timber produce from forest to port will be developed and a log tracking system will be piloted. A framework to relate Ghana's standard to other standards on sustainable forest management will also be developed and international accreditation of the standard sought from the International Standards Organisation or another suitable body. Accreditation will ensure recognition and credibility of the certification system in Ghana's major markets and among national and international interest groups.

The sub component is supported by the Woodworking Sector Development Programme (EU) and the project for Developing and Testing of a Forest Management Certification System (EU, NEDA). Links will be established with the wood industry element of the USAID supported Trade and Investment Reform Programme.

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