The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources says the ban on the harvesting, transportation, processing, export or sale of rosewood in any form still remains in force.

A statement signed by Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, the Outgoing Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, urged especially dealers in rosewood that no rosewood timber in any form would be allowed as transit timber through Ghana.

The statement said the measure was being instituted to curtail the practice whereby rosewood was illegally harvested in Ghana, transported to neighbouring countries and brought back into the country as transit timber.

Rosewood belongs to a category of hardwoods to any number of fine-grained lumbers. They are often brownish with darker veining, but found in many different hues. Rosewoods come strong and heavy, finishing with excellent polish, and usually suitable for guitars, chess pieces, handles, furniture, luxury flooring, among others.

The statement said “All existing permits and licenses issued by the Forestry Commission for the harvesting, transportation, processing, export or sale of rosewood in any form are revoked’

The Minister said recent permits and licenses issued to Messrs Nana Adu Tutu and Sons Limited, Messrs Sidakon Woods Limitedm Messrs Boakyewaa Enterprise, Messrs Kambonse Ghana Limited, Messrs Time Concept Limited, Messrs Commodities Limited and Messrs Meyiri Limited for the removal, harvesting, processing and exportation of rosewood from the Bui dam site and other areas are revoked with immediate effect.

He urged the Forestry Commission, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and all law enforcement agencies in and on the country’s borders to ensure that the ban is enforced.