The Forestry Commission, in collaboration with Art Deco, is holding an exhibition of handcrafted furniture from lesser and used species of timber at the Novotel Hotel from 5th to 8th December 2011.

Nana Ohene Wontumi of Tutu Akuapem, Board Member of the Forestry Commission, said Ghana’s primary species of timber like mahogany, sapele, avodire and asamfena have virtually run out. Yet equally good results can be achieved with lesser known species such as yaya ad bamboo.

Henry Coleman, from the Timber Industry development Division (TIDD) of the Forestry commission said the future of Ghanaian timber is in value addition.

He congratulated Ophelia Akiwumi, CEO of Art Deco, for her vision and foresight in producing the beautifully handcrafted furniture on display and giving artisans training and employment opportunities.

In the photograph below, standing near the “Ahengua” chair, from left to right are Nana Ohene Wontumi; Board Member of the Forestry Commission, Mrs. Ophelia Akiwumi; CEO of Art Deco, Henry Coleman from the Forestry Commission and Enoch Sackey from the Furniture and Woodworkers’ Association of Ghana (FAWAG).