Tracking of lumber to be computerised

Cape Coast (Central Region) 21 April 

A new computerised tracking system to monitor the flow of logs and processed wood will be launched by June this year.The pilot basis project will be financed by the European Union (EU) in line with the National Timber Certification procedure.

Mr Attah Alhassan, chief executive of the Forest Products Inspection Bureau (FPIB) said this when he and Dr (Mrs) Christina Amoako-Nuama, Minister of Land and Forestry met District Forestry Managers of the Forestry Department at Cape Coast on Tuesday. The new tracking system would enable the use of hand-held computers to scan "bar-coded" tags on lumber felled in various parts of the country and relay such information to the FPIB and the Forestry Department.

The chief executive explained that the tracking system is part of measures to redirect the flow and supply of lumber on the local market and to minimise exports. The FPIB and other forestry related agencies are examining incentive packages to enhance the redirection of lumber flow to create an equal balance between supplies to both the local and foreign markets. Mr Alhassan said FPIB is encouraging the use of lesser-known species, which can be found in high volumes in the forests.

The forestry managers asked to be given authority to set-up checkpoints at vantage places and also be provided with vehicles to enhance their work.