Furniture works forms part of a broader Woodwork trade which also includes Carpentry and Joinery. Furniture works tradesmen are involved with the production of furniture and cabinetry for homes, offices and commerce. The trade generally involves the use of timber as a primary input in combination with other materials such as fabric, leather, plastics, metals and more to produce products that enhance the livability of the built environment. Furniture production employs a good number of youths, especially for the production of beds, tables, chairs, cabinets etc. It has a large untapped potential to employ even more as the demand for finished furniture has increased tremendously as a result of improved living standards and real estate development. Generally, locally produced furniture do not meet the high requirements of good finishing and durability to compete with imported alternatives. This has led to a large dependence on imported furniture into the market even though Ghana produces large quantities of raw timber. However, almost all furniture used in all modern offices are imported. The main challenge lies with the low skill levels of the local workers and the lack of new technology to achieve high standards of production and finishing whilst reducing cost.
GSDI therefore views furniture works training as a means of generating employment whilst taking advantage of the local potential the sector holds. GSDI has supported the development of curriculum in furniture works in collaboration with stakeholders to address the skill gap in the sector and to give young Ghanaians an opportunity to earn a living either as employees or entrepreneurs. The curriculum covers National Proficiency I (level 1) and II (level 2) under the National TVET Qualification Framework (NTVETQF). This curriculum is being implemented currently by training providers across the nation.
