Chairman of the Sokoban Wood Village Carpenters Association, Daniel K. Dagodzo is calling on government to consider revising its decision to switch to the use of metallic furniture in our schools from the use of wooden made furniture in our schools.
Speaking exclusively to Business Outlook Africa on the challenges the association faces in its day to day operations, Dagodzo argued that the government’s decision to switch has not only served a severe blow to their trade but has also stripped the village of its primary purpose.
“But recently what’s making our work go down, is that the government has taken some steps that although its good, in some usage it’s not helping us the carpenters and our work. The one I can point out clearly is our school furniture. Of late we have realized the govt uses metals for making school furniture. Some time ago they did it, used the same approach but it didn’t help. Because of their decision to resort to metal tables, chairs and furniture, we don’t really get to see/fully utilize this place.’’he stated
He added that the use of wooden furniture in our schools is not only good for durability purposes but also good because compared the the metal furniture, it’s a much safer options for particularly school use and can serve multiple purposes.
“The students themselves complained, when we also went to some schools ourselves, we realized all the furniture made with metals that the govt got for them were all spoilt. I went to the University Primary and saw many there. When we use the wooden ones it helps the students and it doesn’t injure them or put their health at risk. We all know how students can behave sometimes. One time I visited a certain school, and one student was injured because his brother had pushed him and he landed on the metal and got hurt badly but I believe if it was a wooden furniture, because of how its shaped, he would not get hurt. The metal also has its use but it shouldn’t be used for school furniture. The wood has many purposes, if its used for school furniture and it spoils, it can even be used as firewood in the kitchen to cook for the students. But you can’t say same for metals.” he added
On the rising rate of unemployment in the country, Dagodzo believes Ghana’s education system must shift from certificates to competence calling for a practical and skills-based curriculum to be introduced from an early age.
“Exactly, in our time we used to have special time set aside for practical education and skill based learning. Some did carpentry, some were taken to the sea, some to the forest etc to observe and learn. This was all part of our education way back. So they should reintroduce this and set aside a day for all these things so that we can better equip our students, so that if even after school they are not employed by government, they can do something for themselves. If you look at today, after school most people don’t know what they are doing but if we introduce things like this for them at an early age. They will from a younger age start creating things by themselves.” He explained
This follows President Mahama’s directive issued on June 5, 2025, ordering a switch from wooden to plastic or metal furniture in public schools. The policy, though not yet fully implemented, is anchored on conservation with the Presidency arguing that reducing commercial demand for timber will help curb the indiscriminate felling of trees.
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