Supporting the implementation of the public procurement policy on timber and timber products in Ghana
Background
Illegal logging and trade (illegal chainsaw operation) remain formidable challenges for the government of Ghana especially in the domestic market with the consequent impact of undermining the effort of resource managers. Besides dampening competitive timber prices at the local market, the practice also discourages best operational practices by responsible private sector operators.
In an expression of commitment to show leadership in curbing the menace of illegal logging and its associated trade, and to support the development of sustainable forest management, the government of Ghana through the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has developed a draft Public Procurement Policy on Timber and Timber Products. The aim of the policy is use the purchasing power of government procurement to signal the domestic market in favor of legally and sustainable timber and timber products.
Achievements
Nature and Development Foundation (NDF) through this project supported the efforts of government directly by;
- Developing implementation guidelines for the Public Procurement Policy on Timber and Timber Products. The guidelines will benefit public procurement officers, civil society organizations (as watchdog) and other government agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with the procurement laws
- Building the capacity of public procurement officers of local government agencies who represent government (the largest consumer of timber and timber products) as trainers of trainees and public awareness creation and thus enhancing the effective implementation of the public procurement policy on timber and timber products.
