Jinapor: Confiscated rosewood will be donated to the National Cathedral

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says all confiscated rosewood will be donated to the National Cathedral project.

Speaking to journalists at Tema Port on Friday after inspecting five container loads of seized rosewood, Jinapor said the wood will be sent first to the Forestry Commission depot in Achimota and later forwarded to the construction site of the National Cathedral.

Presenting the Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday (29 July) the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, said the National Cathedral will be inaugurated on 6 March 2024 and asked individuals to commit to making regular donations of GHC100 towards completing the project.

Sustainable management

Samuel Abu Jinapor restated the government’s position set out in the directive ordering the ban on harvesting and exporting rosewood, saying; “No rosewood is to be exported.”

He said any individuals or companies found harvesting rosewood, a criminal action, have been reported to the police for further action.

“Our duty is to put in the necessary steps to stop the illegal exportation of rosewood [from] the country,” Jinapor said.

The minister declared that the government remains committed to ensuring sustainable and efficient management of Ghana’s lands and natural resources, and will do everything in its power to protect them.

Jinapor was accompanied by Benito Owusu Bio, a deputy minister of lands and natural resources, and Frederick Obeng Adom, deputy minister of transport. The chief executive officer of the Forestry Commission, John Allotey, and other officials from the ministry were also present.

Fred Dzakpata