History

In June, 2002, Cabinet approved the adoption of Bamboo and Rattan Development as a national programme to complement the President’s initiative on Forest Plantation Development in Ghana. Subsequently, the Bamboo and Rattan Development Programme (BARADEP) Secretariat was established under the then Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines to coordinate the activities under the programme. In November 2018, BARADEP was adapted under the Forestry Commission and the name changed to Bamboo and Rattan Unit (BRU). Bamboo and rattan resources which together constitute the two largest non timber forests products in Ghana have been identified to be a suitable complement to timber usages such as building and construction, pulpwood, flooring, panel products and furniture. Bamboo has a short gestation period of five years and besides, it has a unique material with a range of socio-economic and environmental benefits.

Goal

The overall goal of the unit  is to contribute to poverty alleviation, economic development, and to ensure sustainable management of the country’s forest resources and the improvement of the environment.

Objectives

The specific objectives of BRU  are to promote bamboo and rattan plantation and industry development as a complement to the wood industry so as to reduce the pressure on the natural forest for timber and increase income and employment opportunities for the rural poor.