Woodworkers Association of Ghana Holds 6th Regional Congress, Elects New Leaders for Four-Year Term
The Woodworkers Association of Ghana has successfully held its 6th Ashanti Regional Annual Congress in Kumasi, bringing together master craftsmen, artisans, industry players, and national executives to deliberate on the future of the wood industry and elect new leaders to steer the region for the next four years. The well-attended event took place on Wednesday at exactly 8:00 a.m. at the Ramseyer Presbyterian Conference Room.
The congress, organized under the theme “Woodworks Industry: Sustainable Business in the Economy of Ghana,” focused on the role of the wood sector in national development, the challenges confronting artisans, and the strategic direction needed to strengthen the industry for long-term sustainability.
The program commenced with an opening prayer, followed by welcome remarks from the Ashanti Regional Acting Chairman, who underscored the importance of unity, professionalism, and innovation in maintaining the association’s relevance in the face of emerging industry trends. He highlighted the association’s contributions to Ghana’s economy, particularly in job creation and skills development.
Delivering his address, the National President of the Woodworkers Association of Ghana commended the Ashanti Regional branch for its consistency in organizing congresses and maintaining strong membership engagement. He emphasized that the wood industry remains one of Ghana’s most vital sectors and urged government to consider policies that support local artisans, ensure fair competition, and encourage sustainable use of forest resources.
He further highlighted the need for capacity building, access to modern tools, and stronger collaboration with institutions such as the Forestry Commission, skills training centers, and financial agencies. According to him, if government and stakeholders invest more in the sector, the woodworks industry can significantly contribute to Ghana’s industrial growth.
The outgoing regional leadership also presented a comprehensive report, outlining achievements made during their tenure. These included increased membership registration, improved internal communication, strengthened partnerships with relevant agencies, and enhanced training programs for artisans. They also acknowledged challenges such as rising costs of raw materials, limited access to machinery, and competition from imported furniture—factors that continue to affect the local industry.
A major highlight of the congress was the peaceful and transparent election of new executives who will lead the Ashanti Region for the next four-year term. The electoral process, supervised by designated officers, saw enthusiastic participation from delegates across the region. Members expressed confidence that the newly elected leaders possess the vision, experience, and commitment to advance the association’s mission.
Throughout the congress, key stakeholders engaged in discussions on strengthening the industry, promoting sustainable business practices, and advocating for policies that will protect the local market from unfair foreign competition. Artisans also called for government support in accessing modern equipment, reducing operational costs, and creating structured platforms for showcasing locally made wood products.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge from members to work collectively in building a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable wood industry in Ghana. Participants expressed optimism that the new leadership will bring fresh ideas, drive development, and deepen stakeholder engagement to uplift the sector.
The 6th Regional Congress ended on a hopeful note, with members leaving the venue energized and committed to supporting the association’s growth agenda over the next four years.
