Fumesua (Ash), Dec 18, GNA - A scientist has implored stakeholders in the wood industry to encourage the use of alternative tree species in their work, especially for furniture and building purposes. Dr Victory Agyemang, Director of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), who made the call, said species such as the mango, citrus, rubber and oil palms as well as borrasus palm trees were good substitutes for prime timber.

He said the over-use of timber has in recent times contributed significantly to the depletion of the forest. He was addressing the annual get-together and awards ceremony of the FORIG at Fumesua near Kumasi on Wednesday. The FORIG Director lamented the degradation and depletion of the nation's bio-diversity and forest resources, saying it was high time stakeholders embarked on a systematic and coherent programme to reverse the trend to help maintain the eco-system. Dr Agyemang announced that his outfit was currently collaborating with some opinion leaders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in mining communities across the country, on the possibility of planting trees on degraded mine sites, so as to reclaim these lands for the benefit of the nation.

He lauded his staff for their commitment to duty which, he said, had lead to an increase in productivity. Over 20 staff and retirees of the FORIG were awarded with prizes ranging from cloths, television sets, refrigerators and wall clock as well as certificates for their dedication to duty.