SWMA HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON ESTABLISHMENT OF WOOD VILLAGE IN SEFWI WIAWSO

The Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly on Wednesday 3rd September, 2025 convened a broad stakeholder meeting to deliberate on the establishment of a modern Wood Village in the Municipality.

The initiative, championed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dominic Gyasi, seeks to streamline wood-related businesses, promote safety and environmental standards, and create employment opportunities within the wood industry value chain.

The meeting brought together all key players, including sawmill operators, wood vendors, timber contractors, and carpenters. Also present were representatives from the Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Forestry Commission, who are expected to play critical roles in regulating and safeguarding the industry.

Speaking at the forum, Hon. Dominic Gyasi explained that the planned Wood Village would serve as a one-stop hub for wood trading and processing, addressing current challenges such as fire risks, congestion, noise pollution in their present locations, environmental hazards, and weak regulatory compliance. He emphasized that the project would not only enhance orderliness but also boost local revenue and position Sefwi Wiawso as a leading center for wood businesses in the Western North Region.

Stakeholders actively contributed ideas, touching on areas such as access to raw materials, sustainable timber practices, safety measures, and proper regulation. The Forestry Commission and EPA highlighted the importance of balancing economic benefits with environmental sustainability, while the Fire Service recommended adequate safety systems to prevent disasters.

Hon. Gyasi assured stakeholders of the Assembly’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent process, promising continuous engagement with all stakeholders. He added that the Wood Village project, once completed, would create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute significantly to the Municipality’s development agenda.

The meeting concluded with a strong resolve among all parties to work hand-in-hand with the Municipal Assembly to ensure the successful realization of this visionary project.