Demands from environmentalists to reduce pressure on traditional timber species from Ghana such as iroko has prompted a research programme at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College.
The research, supported by the Timber Development Division of the Forest Commission of Ghana, is looking at alternatives to iroko including dahoma, ekki, kusia and papao.
Heading up the investigation is senior lecturer Dr Samuel Amartey who said a key component of the plan is to create a balance between Ghana’s forest resources and utilisation through the promotion of lesser used species.
Currently the research is looking at dahoma, the end uses of which are
restricted by the unpleasant odour it gives when freshly cut.
The aim is to eliminate or reduce the odour in order to widen the range of market opportunities for the species and present it as a suitable alternative to iroko.
