Ghana Timber Asso. proposes establishment of regional plant pools

Sunyani, (Brong Ahafo) 10 Jan. '99,

The Ghana Timber Association (GTA) has presented a proposal to the government to assist it to establish plant pools in the regions to make machinery and equipment readily available to timber irms.

The President of the association, Mr Jonathan Amankrah Armah said modalities for the establishment of the pools are being worked out and if accepted, it would help get rid of quacks, avoid waste and inject more efficiency into the timber industry.

He announced this at a meeting of members of the association in the Brong Ahafo Region, at which new executive members were elected and sworn into office at Sunyani over the weekend.

Mr Armah said the time has come for members to unite and build a formidable association to develop the timber industry for the benefit of members and the country as a whole.

He said one of the priorities of the national executive of the GTA is to build a new image under, which members would no longer be seen as "cheats or crooks" but honest citizens determined to help develop their country.

Mr Armah announced that a task force within the association would be formed soon to expose quacks and protect the image of genuine timber merchants.

In the elections, which was supervised by Mr Armah and conducted by the Electoral Commission, Mr Matthew K. Sarbeng beat Nana Yeboah Asuamah by 15 votes to 13 to become the new regional chairman of the association.

Mr Osei Mensah polled 20 votes as against nine by Mr Robert Adotey to become the vice-chairman, while Mr Kwaabena Ti (Ed. correct) was elected unopposed as the regional treasurer.

Mr Attah Boahene was appointed regional representative on the National Executive Council of the GTA.

GRi