GTA appeals for prompt payment of logs

Takoradi, Oct.29, GNA -- Members of Ghana Timber Association (GTA) have appealed to saw millers for prompt payment of logs supplied to enable them discharge their financial obligations to the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders.

They contended that long delays or failure by saw millers to pay for logs supplied had resulted in their inability to pay royalties to the Commission, compensation for farm produce destroyed, salaries of their workers and repayment of bank loans.

Mr Alexander K. Dadzie, National First Vice President of the association briefing the Ghana News Agency at Takoradi on the outcome of their recent meeting in Kumasi said court action had been instituted against some of them by their creditors.

New national and regional executive officers were elected at the meeting.

Mr Dadzie said most of their operations were collapsing because of the failure of saw millers to pay promptly for logs supplied and their working capital locked up.

He therefore, advised saw millers who owed loggers to arrange for payment without delay to save them from "Very difficult situation." Mr Dadzie however, advised loggers to endeavour to settle debts owed to the Commission to ensure that their operations were not interrupted. He said the association would soon set up a task force to monitor payment of logs supplied to saw millers, check illegal logging and chain saw operations. Mr Dadzie urged the members to intensify their re-forestation programmes to ensure better and effective management of the country's forest resources.

He appealed to Government to allocate timber concessions to indigenous Ghanaian loggers. Mr Joseph Armah, outgoing National President, called for unity and cooperation among members and stakeholders to develop the timber industry.

Other national officers elected and sworn into office were, Mr Boateng Opoku, President, Nana Adu Tutu, Second Vice President, Mr Isaac Kofi Nketiah, Treasurer and Mr Kobina Affum, Assistant Treasurer.