Ghana lost $10 billion to illegal Rosewood logging
- About six million rosewood trees have been cut down in Ghana for illegal export to China since 2012, an environmental group says
- The report blames corrupt officials in Ghana for forging documents to allow the wood to leave the country
- The illegal act has cost the country revenue close to $10 billion in a spate of six years
Ghana is said to have lost about six million rosewood trees to China through illegal exports.
A report by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) said over 540,000 tons of rosewood have been illegally export to China since 2012.
According to the report, at a price of USD 17,000 per tonne, Ghana has lost close to $10 billion over the last 6 years.
READ ALSO: 2019 WASSCE: Ghanaian students excel in Mathematics, Science
The EIA said some corrupt officials in Ghana often forge documents to allow the wood to leave the country.
This is despite the fact that the Ghana government has placed a ban on the illegal trade and felling of rosewood trees.
According to the EIA, other West African countries are also victims of China's insatiable and unchecked demand for rosewood.
Rosewood is in very high demand in China and is often used to make imperial-style furniture in the country.
"Since 2012, over 540,000 tons of rosewood – the equivalent of 23,478 twenty-foot containers or approximately six million trees – were illegally harvested and imported into China from Ghana while bans on harvest and trade have been in place,” the EIA’s statement said.
The group said it found "a massive institutionalised timber trafficking scheme, enabled by high-level corruption and collusion".
READ ALSO: Breaking: ‘Fraudster’ involved in securing ECG deal for PDS
The EIA warned that Ghana’s desertification crisis could worsen if the illegal loggings in the country continue.
The group further called for the trade in rosewood to be suspended across the West African region and for China to comply with international agreements on endangered species.
Ghana News Today: Major Sinkhole Develops on the Madina-Tetteh Quarshie Highway | #Yencomgh
READ ALSO: AFCON 2019: List leaks showing Black Stars' appearance fee (photo)
Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
