Forest Management Regimes and Drivers of Forest Cover Loss in Forest Reserves in the High Forest Zone of Ghana
Table 2
Category of respondents and the roles their institutions play in forest management and utilization.
Stakeholder group
No. of respondents
Institutional roles
Ghana Timber Millers Organization
5
This is a trade organization subscribed by timber processing companies in Ghana. They strive to improve on the standard of timber products for both local and export markets.
Ghana Timber Association
5
Private entity that coordinates all activities of loggers in Ghana and helps the government to promulgate laws affecting logging in Ghana.
Timber Utilization Contract (TUC) holders
10
Companies granted timber harvesting rights by the government of Ghana following competitive bidding.
Forest Services Division (FSD)
15
Public sector agency which is a division under the Forestry Commission (FC) mandated to protect, develop, and manage forests in Ghana.
Wildlife Division
10
Public sector agency which is a division under the Forestry Commission (FC) mandated for the protection and conservation of wildlife resources within protected areas in Ghana.
Resource Management Support Centre
5
This is a technical wing of the Forestry Commission (FC) responsible for the exploration, development, facilitation, institutionalization, implementation, and monitoring of effective and affordable forest and wildlife management systems in Ghana.
Traditional authorities
5
They are the custodians of lands and the main opinion leaders in communities where forest reserves are located.
Community members
25
They involve residents of the forest fringe communities. Active members involved in community participation in forest management activities were interviewed.
Chainsaw millers
20
They are private individuals who use fuel-powered chainsaw machines for harvesting timber species and converting the logs in situ into lumber.