In Ghana, the government has handed over 13 impounded rosewood containers to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for a comprehensive investigation.

The probe seeks to unravel the suspects and circumstances behind the importation of the lumber into the country.

The deputy lands minister in charge of forestry Benito Owusu-Bio stated this when he inspected the confiscated rosewood consignment at the Tema Port.

The minister stated that Ghana, under the instructions of President Nana Akufo-Addo, has placed an outright ban on rosewood harvesting and trade, hence the confiscation of the consignment.

He said based on the provision of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), five countries in the West African sub-region are not allowed to trade in rosewood.

These are Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Senegal.

The minister said the current enforcement regime on the ban on rosewood instituted by the government had been successful in ensuring regular confiscation of illegal rosewood.