Rattan collectors be exempted from securing permit

Fumesua, (Ash), April 25, GNA- Dr. Joseph Cobbinah, Director of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) has suggested that local collectors of rattan also known as cane, be exempted from securing permit before acquiring the product.

He said collectors of rattan should also be exempted from the payment of any fees.

He said local collectors of rattan should instead be allowed to collect the products on a sustained harvesting basis, provided it could be amply demonstrated to decision-makers, that appropriate forest management regimes were in place at the community-levels.

The Research Scientist suggestion formed part of recommendations made by the FORIG in respect of proper development and sustenance of the rattan industry and contained in a report of the institute.

The report stressed the need for appropriate grading and standardisation of raw rattans and rattan products.

"Equally crucial is the organisation of promotional fairs by Export Promotion Council, in collaboration with small scale industries of all rattan producing countries, in a bid to increase public awareness about rattan", the report said.