The Queen mother of the Mampong, Traditional Area, Nana Agyakuma Difie II has called on all Queen mothers across the country to come on board government's agenda to establish 500,000 hectares of bamboo plantations between the year 2015-2040, starting off with a 1000 hectares during this year's Green Ghana Day.
The Mamponghemaa made this call when the Asanteman Queen Mothers embarked on a field trip to the Bamboo Common Production and Training Centre at Obogu in the Ashanti Region, organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Forest Plantation Fund Board as part of a two-day sensitization workshop for Asanteman Queen Mothers on Bamboo and Rattan plantation development.
She explained the need for the Queen mothers to onboard this project, saying "This it obviously lucrative as it would not take much to plant and cultivate but will give off so much from the sale and production and I personally believe this will go a long way to help your communities.
She added that the Bamboo is not only lucrative but will also contribute to government’s reafforestation agenda which ties into the bigger picture of helping mitigate climate change.
The Queen mother could not hide her bewilderment and excitement over the number of beautiful artifacts the Bamboo plant could produce.
"I am particularly excited about the toothpicks and the Kebab sticks they can make. They are stronger than the foreign ones we know and this tells us that Ghana has a Great future"
After a tour of the facility, the Queen Mother was certain that the perception of all the Asanteman Queen Mothers about Bamboo has changed for the better and hoped that as they return back to their various Kingdoms, they will spread the good news for all to know.
On behalf of the Ashantiman Queen mothers, Nana Difie II expressed her profound gratitude to the Ministry, and the Forest Plantation Fund Board for organising such an informative and educative workshop which has challenged them to embark on this journey.
She pledged the Asanteman Queen Mother's full commitment and assured the Ministry and government, that as the Traditional authorities spearheading this project, they will marshall all efforts to ensure the overall success of this all important project.
"Not matter the journey, we are with you 100% and we will see to it that this is a success"
On his part, Mr. George Sarpong, the General instructor at the Bamboo Common Production and Training Centre and President of Ghana National Bamboo and Rattan Association called on government for support to help boost the production of bamboo and bamboo artifacts in commercial quantities.
On a tour at the factory and training centre, Mr. George Sarpong took the Queen mothers through the processes of producing some of the Artifacts from bamboo including toothpick, Kebab sticks, cups among others.
He also took the Queen mothers to see a bamboo plantation nearby where he showed and explained the types of bamboos, thier uses and commercial value.
Bamboo is a very fast growing, renewable and easy-to-grow resource. It is an extremely versatile material with over 1,500 uses including construction, clothes, food and fuel.
The plant has over 1000 species of which growa from it’s roots.
This amazing plant grows in both tropical and temperate environments and is very hard, not needing pesticides or herbicides to grow well.
Also on the trip with the Queen Mothers were the Technical Director for Forestry at the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwan, The Administrator for the Forest Plantation Fund Board, Madam Alberta Essuman and other officials of the Ministry and the Forest Plantation Fund Board.
Story by: Nadia Aidoo