Accra, Sept. 17, GNA - The Forestry Commission of Ghana is to organize the First Timber Industry Awards in November, to recognize and reward stakeholders who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Timber Industry. The event, which would have the theme "100 Years of Forestry: Projecting Excellence in a Complex and Challenging industry is being organized through the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) in collaboration with the Timber Trade Associations, according to a statement released in Accra on Wednesday.

The awards in 19 categories, which is the first of its kind in the nation's history, also aims to provide a basis to encourage high standard for best practices; enhance the image of the forestry sector, particularly the timber industry and its role in the socio-economic development of the nation. Again, it would honour stakeholders, who have shown commitment to quality and outstanding leadership in the Industry and help significantly to communicate the social, economic and cultural importance of timber in Ghana.

Professor Nii Ashie Kotey, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said the Awards had come at a time when Ghana had clearly established enviable timber export trade reputation and was still improving its performance. He said this called for an award to motivate, encourage, appreciate and reward individuals and institutions, who in diverse ways were contributing to the continuous development of the industry. "This year marks 100 years since the colonial government invited H.N. Thompson, an Englishman with the Nigerian Forest Service, to help establish a Forestry Department in the country. So far the role the forestry sector has played in the socio-economic development in this nation cannot be over emphasized", Prof. Kotey added.

The categories to be awarded are: Over All Best Exporter; Best Exporter Lumber (Lumber); Best Exporter Rotary Veneer; Best Exporter Sliced Veneer; Best Exporter Curl Veneer; Best Exporter Mouldings; Best Exporter Furniture; and Best Exporter (LUS). Others are Best Producer (Quality Products ); Best Producer (Logs); Best Producer for (Domestic Market ); Most Innovative Company; Best Bank (Banking Services); Best Shipping Company; Best Overall Buyer; Best Buyer (LUS); Best Buyer (Tertiary Products), Individual Recognition Category and Institutional Awards. The statement asked for Registered Timber operators to kindly contact the offices of the Forestry Commission and TIDD in both Accra and Takoradi for further information on how to enter for this award. They could also call on 021- 401227; 401216; 401210; 401231; or 031-22924; 22926; 24100; 24585.