Jr.

of Industrial Pollution Control 34(1)(2018) pp 1888-1899

www.icontrolpollution.com
Research Article

TURNING SAWDUST INTO COOKING FUEL: AN OPERATIONAL

FRAMEWORK FOR A BRIQUETTE PLANT AT SOKOBAN WOOD VILLAGE,
KUMASI

SETH AGYEMANG1* AND RICHARD ODOMAKO OPOKU2

1
Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
2
Institute of Distance Learning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

(Received 01 June, 2017; accepted 23 April, 2018)

Key words: Energy, Sawdust, Briquette, Environment, Biomass, Management.

ABSTRACT

Energy is a key requirement for socio-economic development. However, the utilization of energy
must not be at the expense of the environment and the future. One way of reducing dependence
on biomassas a source of energy is to promote the use of briquettes by homes and industries. This
study examined the feasibility of establishing and managing a briquette manufacturing plant at
the Sokoban Wood Village, a leading wood industrial estate in Kumasi, Ghana. Using qualitative
approach, a total of fifteen woodworkers and one technical officer were interviewed on the feasibility
of such a project, availability of sawdust, and the ideal management structure for the project. Data
were analysed by capturing the key themes and modes in responses, highlighting issues of contrasts
and similarities, and supported by direct quotes. The results indicate that the setting up of plants
to overturn sawdust into briquettes is highly feasible and would receive support and cooperation
from saw millers and woodworkers. However, for ease of access and to ensure a more integrated
system, such a plant should be sited at or close to the saw mill or wood village. Thirdly, it is argued
that for such a plant to run effectively, operators must be recruited from among the woodworkers
and trained on operational dynamics and maintenance. The management of the facility to exercise
oversight responsibility should be broad-based and inclusive and drawn from the local assembly
(KMA), representatives of the wood workers, and the funding/implementing agency. The study
concludes that the establishment of briquette producing plants using this model is feasible and
should be encouraged by stakeholders, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

INTRODUCTION about 2% and that for a much desired growth of 7% to

10% would be the need for much higher sustainable
The Energy is a critical requirement for socio-
supply of energy.
economic growth and development (Mensah-Kutin,
2007; Akuffo, 2007; Environmental Protection If Ghana is to consolidate its position as a middle
Agency, 2007). Activities of production, consumption, income country and even improve on it,then,the
transportation, manufacturing, infrastructure, burning issue of energy as a key driver must be
security, etc, are all built and delivered upon one taken seriously. According to (Wereko-Brobby,
energy source or the other; be it biomass, electricity, 2003), countries of the world are classified by the
fossil fuels, nuclear, wind, solar, or thermal. This degree of success achieved in the management of
close relationship between energy and development energy resources to transform society. The so-called
has led (Akuffo, 2007) to project that an economic “Developed” nations are those that have been most
growth of 1% would require energy consumption of successful in using energy to achieve economic

*Corresponding authors email: dgrd.sethagyemang@gmail.com

1889 AGYEMANG ET AL.
prosperity, while the least successful remain tagged to date mainly due to frequent shortages and
as “Developing” or “Least developed”. The need for increasing price associated with LP gas (Adom-
judicious use of energy resources today to promote Asamoah and Afrifa, 2011).
sustainable development has been mentioned by Developed countries are also taking steps to reduce
(Ofosu-Ahenkorah, 2007). This concept has been their dependence on fossil fuels. The European Union
popularized as development that meets the needs has targeted to reduce use of fossil fuels by 30% by
of the present without compromising the ability 2020 (The Energy Center (KNUST), 2008). Fossil
of future generations to meet their own needs fuels are associated with adverse environmental
(Brundtland, 1987). impacts including those relating to climate change
Geographically, the common sources of energy and human health. The use of residual fuel oils and
in developing countries have included biomass, diesels increases emission of gases that contribute to
climate change (Environmental Protection Agency,
electricity, and fossil fuels, with biomass being the
2007). Emphasis is rather advisedly being shifted
most dominant. An estimated 89% of the population
to the development and use of renewable energy
in sub-Saharan Africa depend on biomass for
sources such as biomass, solar and wind, which have
energy supply (Mensah-Kutin, 2007). Biomass also
the potential to ensure energy security, mitigate the
dominates the energy mix in Ghana, where about
negative impacts of climate change and contribute
60% of energy consumed comesfrom firewood and to improved sanitation (Ministry of Energy and
charcoal, with 30% from petroleum and 10% from Petroleum, 2014).
electricity (Akuffo, 2007; Environmental Protection
Agency, 2007). Paradoxically, this overreliance Over 90% of the biomass energy (woodfuels) used
on wood fuels has the potential to undermine in the country are directly from natural forests, with
development by contributing to environmental only 10% coming from wood waste, (i.e. logging and
degradation and climate change. sawmill waste) and woodlands or planted forests (The
Energy Center (KNUST), 2008). This disproportionate
The use of biomass is so pervasive that about 80% overdependence, together with other unsustainable
of all households in Ghana are believed to rely agricultural practices, have contributed enormously
on fuelwood and charcoal as their main fuel for to environmental degradation and destruction of the
cooking, with 56% and 32% of households using forest cover. For example, more than 70% of Ghana’s
fuelwood and charcoal respectively. In Kumasi, original 8.22 million hectares of closed forest has
Ghana’s second largest city, it is estimated that 80% been destroyed, and only about 10.9 to 11.8 percent
of households use charcoal as the primary cooking (representing 15,000 to 17,200 square kilometers
and heating fuel, with a daily per capita consumption of forest cover) remain as intact forests, the bulk
of charcoal estimated at 0.5kg (The Energy Center of which are in protected areas (Ntiamoa-Baidu,
(KNUST), 2008; KMA, 2006). The use of firewood on 2003). Deforestation rate in the Ghana is estimated
the other hand accounts for about 10% of household at 22,000 square kilometers per annum. At this rate
it is feared there will be no intact forest left in the
cooking fuel mix (KMA, 2006). Firewood is also the
country within the next 100 years (Ntiamoa-Baidu,
main fuel used in commercial and informal sector
2003). Themanifestation of this prophecy cannot be
enterprises, encompassing the fields of bakeries, food
far-fetched if the current high level of reliance on
preparation, soap manufacturing, groundnut paste
woodfuels is allowed to continue: it takes up to six
manufacturing, fish smoking, cassava processing
kilograms of wood to produce just one kilogram
and palm oil manufacturing (ESMAP, 2011). of charcoal (Environmental Protection Agency,
The Government of Ghana, in its resolve to reduce the 2007). Overall, the main causes of deforestation
overdependence on biomass, adopted a programme and land degradation in the country are clearance
to encourage use of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas for agricultural ventures, bushfires, the practice of
by homes and small scale enterprises (Adom- shifting cultivation, timber operations, and cutting
Asamoah and Afrifa, 2011). Liquefied petroleum gas for fuelwood (Ntiamoa-Baidu, 2003; World Bank,
comes with major health, safety and environmental 2007).
benefits compared to the traditional solid fuels In addition to harming the forest cover, use of fuel
(Adom-Asamoah and Afrifa, 2011). By potentially wood contributes to climate change. Biomass acts as
contributing to less dependence on fuelwood it natural sinks for carbon dioxide, and its consequent
ensures conservation of the forest cover. However, removal leads to the emission and buildup of
the programme has not attracted the needed results carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the
 TURNING SAWDUST INTO COOKING FUEL: AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR A
BRIQUETTE PLANT AT SOKOBAN WOOD VILLAGE, KUMASI
1890

atmosphere (Environmental Protection Agency, to overcome depletion of natural resources by

2007; Ghana Statistical Service, 2008). transforming organic solid waste into raw materials
for heat production. According to Koufodimos
One practical way of reducing dependence on
and Samaras (Koufodimos and Samaras, 2002),
firewood and charcoal (and saving the forests) is
briquetting is used in solid waste management
to use instead residue and waste from biomass, in
as a form of recycling, and incorporates both raw
the form of briquettes. Briquettes can be made from
material recovery and environmentally sound
the large amount of sawdust that come out from the
handling of organic solid waste. The production
sawmill and wood industry, and be burnt to produce
of briquettes from sawdust thus exemplifies the
heat as a form of energy. This can be used for cooking
potential of appropriate technology for wood waste
in homes and in the informal sector by bakers, food
utilization. The 1990 United Nations Food and
sellers, soap manufactures, fish smokers, and cassava
Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Report explains that
processors, all of whom otherwise rely heavily on
briquetting of sawdust and other waste materials
biomass. The promotion of briquettes will also help
became widespread in many countries in Europe
to improve sanitation by finding use for sawdust,
and America during World War II under the impact
which is treated as waste and dumped on the ground
of fuel shortages. Countries such as Germany and
and in nearby streams, further causing pollution of
these places. For this to be done, there is the need Netherlands have realised the contribution of
to set up briquette manufacturing plants that will briquetting organic solid waste for heat production
produce and supply the product to end-users. (Bautista and Pereira, 2006) (Fig. 1).
However, the ownership and management of such According to (Plistil, et al., 2005), different organic
a facility would have to be determined in order to solid waste including cardboard, sawdust,
ensure sustainability and smoothness of operations. shavings, waste papers, yard trims, and other
Since there is no such facility currently existing in assorted municipal solid waste can be turned into
the country, the need for research to identify a model pellets or briquettes for heat production. Fulford
briquette operational system that can be replicated and Wheldon[19],however, maintain that the best
across either in whole or in modified forms becomes materials for high pressure briquetting are sawdust
imperative. and other woody residues, because these contain a
This study therefore examines the feasibility of high proportion of lignin.
establishing, managing and operating a briquette Globally, briquettes are promoted and preferred
manufacturing plant in Ghana. The aim is to identify over traditional biomass forms of charcoal and
the ideal organizational and management system for firewood because of their comparative advantages.
such a facility that can serve as a model and a standard This includes reduction of deforestation and carbon
for actual implementation. The main argument of dioxide emissions (Fulford and Wheldon, 2014).
the paper is that it is possible to identify and build Further, they help to solve the residual disposal
a briquette manufacturing plant using the large problem; minimise indoor air pollution; have a
available sawdust produced from the wood industry consistent quality and high burning efficiency;
in Ghana, and this would be a good way of recycling and are clean to handle and pack in bags for easy
waste and promoting environmental health. It also handling, transport and storage (Bikash, et al.,
seeks to establish a workable management system 2013). (Emerhi, 2011) also asserts that briquette
that can be developed for such a venture and production saves trees that can prevent soil erosion
guarantee regular supply of the product. The goal and desertification by serving as an alternative to
of the paper is to contribute to efforts at reducing burning wood for domestic and industrial heating
overreliance on wood fuels (charcoal and firewood) and cooking. Further, it impacts positively on public
as cooking energy sources and hence save the forests health by providing a cleaner burning fuel and
and the environment. Moreover, this paper would also provides a better alternative to firewood (40%
contribute to efforts advanced to ensure access to more efficient, longer burning and better) as well as
affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy helping to protect the environment by reducing the
for all, as stipulated in the seventh goal of the number of trees cut for firewood (Emerhi, 2011).
Sustainable Development Goals.
Briquette Processes and Production
Briquette Technology
Briquette production plants are fully automated
(Filho and Butorina, 2002) assert that the development plants that use processing steps to dry and harden
of the briquette technology has the potential sawdust and wood residues to be burnt for heat
1891 AGYEMANG ET AL.

Fig. 1 Samples of briquettes.

production (Seeger Engineering [SGE], 2015). feeders typically used in the grain and cereal
(The Energy and Environment Partnership, 2013) industry.
distinguishes between two main types of briquettes,
2. Inclined screw or elevator: The residues can
namely; carbonised and uncarbonised – produced by
either be lifted automatically or manually into the
the application of two different processing techniques.
hammer mill.
Carbonised briquettes are made from biomass
sources that have been processed through partial 3. Vibrating Screen: A screen or simple mesh should
pyrolysis (which drives off volatile compounds and be fitted over the hammer mill to trap any foreign
moisture leaving a higher concentration of carbon matter such as oversized residues, stones or metals.
per unit). Hereafter, they are mixed with a binder,
cast into appropriate shapes through pressing and 4. Hammer mill: Used to reduce the particle size to
finally dried. Uncarbonised briquettes are processed 6 to 8 mm.
directly from biomass sources through various 5. Dryer Set-up: Used to assist the control of the
casting and pressing processes, which is also known moisture content of the raw material.
as solidification. To operate an ideal production
plant, (Grover and Mishra, 1996) highlight that the 6. Intermediate Storage Bin: The residue can be
following equipment shown in (Fig. 2) is required. held in a storage bin after leaving the dryer. At least
4 hours of production capacity should be held in
Description of Briquette Plant Components
storage in case of a short break down.
(Grover and Mishra, 1996) describe the components
of the briquette plant as indicated in the flowchart as 7. Main feed screw: This screw distributes the
follows: material in the storage bin to the machines. The
supply should be at least 15% greater than production
1. Raw material supply: The residues for briquetting to ensure that none of the machines are starved of
should be kept in storage bins or in bays under material.
shelters and protected from rain and run-off. The
shelters should be well ventilated to allow any 8. Return feed: The excess material not required by
moisture in the raw material to evaporate. The the machines returns to the intermediate storage bin.
residues can either be delivered to the start of 9. Pre-heater and Furnace: The residues are dropped
the briquetting process manually or by automatic
 TURNING SAWDUST INTO COOKING FUEL: AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR A
BRIQUETTE PLANT AT SOKOBAN WOOD VILLAGE, KUMASI
1892

3. Implementation of Project
After the feasibility studies, preparations should be
made to construct the production unit. Grover and
Mishra [25] suggest that a project management team
should implement the project on the basis of turnkey.
4. Start-up Operation and Training
Grover and Mishra [25] again recommend start-
up operation and training for effective running of
briquette plants. This period according to the authors
should be utilised to train the operators, welders
and other technicians specifically recruited for the
briquetting plant.
5. Manpower Requirements
Fig. 2 Process flow sheet of briquette production.
The management of a briquette plant requires both
into a chamber that pre-heats the material. The managerial and operations staff. This however,
temperature should be adjustable from 90 to 200c depends on the capacity of the unit and number
depending upon the type and moisture content of of operating hours by the briquette plant per day.
the material. Grover and Mishra [25] propose that the supply of
raw materials and the sale of briquettes should be sub
10. Briquetting Machines: The auxiliary equipment contracted as far as possible so that the management
can be sized and matched to supply any number of team can give adequate attention to running the
machines. Although more than four machines may production unit.
mean that the feed screws become unnecessarily
complicated. MATERIAL AND METHODS
11. Cooling racks: The briquettes are hot after they The study context and setting
leave the presses. A system of conveyors needs to be The study was carried out at the Sokoban Wood
arranged so that the briquettes get time to cool down Village, an industrial estate for woodworkers located
prior to storage and packing. at Sokoban, about 20 km south of Kumasi, Ghana’s
12. Ventilation Hoods: The smoke and fumes second largest city and capital of the Ashanti Region.
coming off the hot briquettes should be extracted Kumasi is bounded to the north by Afigya Kwabre
to the outside of the plant buildings via ducts and and Kwabre East districts, to the east by EjisuJuabeng
hoods closely fitted over the cooling racks. and Bosomtwe-AtwimaKwanwoma districts, to
the west by AtwimaNwabiagya and to the south
Procedure for Setting up a Briquetting Plant by AtwimaKwanwomadistrict (Attuquayefio
Grover and Mishra [25] outline five critical steps that and Abdul-Rahim, 2013). The Wood village was
should be followed in setting up a briquette plant. established in 2008 as a resettlement place for
These are: woodworkers and sellers who were moved from their
former base at the Anloga Junction, also in Kumasi.
1. Initial Steps It is Ghana’s largest wood products manufacturing
Grover and Mishra [25] recommend the following district according to Effah et al., (Effah, 2013). The
prerequisites prior to the establishment of briquette Sokoban community where the Wood Village is
plants: Market need for briquettes; availability of located, has a population of about 1,275 and a
biomass/raw materials; potential manufacturers; household size of five persons on average (Ghana
and availability of infrastructure. Statistical Service, 2012). The wood district has an
estimated 8000 workers, made up of saw millers,
2. Feasibility Studies
lumber sellers, carpenters and other woodworkers.
Once the preliminary market survey establishes Also, contributing to the local economic hub are
the potentials for sales and procurement of raw other ancillary service providers including banks,
materials, Grover and Mishra [25] strongly propose food sellers, petty traders and artisans (Attuquayefio
the conduct of feasibility studies to assess the and Abdul-Rahim, 2013). The enclave produces
technical and economic feasibility of the project. about 100 to 150 metric tons of sawdust per day
(Maddens, et al., 2013). The place has facilities such
1893 AGYEMANG ET AL.
as access roads and internal roads, sheds and stores, saw millers or by outsiders. This paper presents the
an administrative block and a modern car park. It findings of the ideal set up and management system.
was financed with funding secured by the Ghana
The case study design was adopted for the study.
Government from the Government of France through
The approach was basically descriptive and
the AgenceFrancaise de Development (AFD). To
qualitative, focusing on the views and perceptions of
ensure effective management of the wood village,
woodworkers on the ideal management setup for a
the Kumasi Metropolitan that owns the facility
briquette factory at Sokoban (Fig. 4).
and manages it on behalf of the government has
appointed a 11-Member Management Committee Target population and sampling
with representatives from KMA, woodworkers, The target population for this study comprised
the Member of Parliament for the area, Regional woodworkers of the Sokoban Wood Village and the
Forestry Manager, and the management company management members. In line with the qualitative
of the village, Goldstreet Real Estate Consult (Ghana nature of the study, purposive sampling was used
News Agency [GNA], 2011). to recruit 15 of the woodworkers and one member of
The study formed part of a larger research that the Management Committee.
investigated the feasibility of establishing a briquette These category of woodworkers were selected
manufacturing plant at the Sokoban Wood village to because they constitute the main groups of
produce briquettes, and the prospects of patronizing
workers at the wood village. Purposive sampling
the product by targeted end-users (food vendors) in
technique enabled a quick scan of the population
the Kumasi metropolis (Fig. 3).
to select particular respondents who had in-depth
The study had two parts. One part examined the knowledge of the local dynamics including the social
probability of food vendors switching from use of organization and mood in the study area.
charcoal and firewood to briquettes, focusing on the
Data Collection
conditions that would make them do so. The second
part dealt into the plausible management system for Primary data were collected through face-to-
the setup, with a focus on the critical issue of whether face interviews using an interview guide. The
the facility should be manned and operated by the questions asked were mainly qualitative, seeking

Fig. 3 Map of Kumasi Metropolitan area showing sokoban wood village.

 TURNING SAWDUST INTO COOKING FUEL: AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR A
BRIQUETTE PLANT AT SOKOBAN WOOD VILLAGE, KUMASI
1894

Fig. 4 A picture of the Sokoban Wood Village in Kumasi.

for the opinions of respondents on the viability In the conduct of this research, the researchers
and management system for the briquette plant. strictly adhered to these ethical standards. In order
According to Bryman (Bryman, 2008), interviews to build trust and gain support from participants, the
are the most widely used method in qualitative identity of the researchers were disclosed and the
research. All the interviews took place at the Wood purpose of the study explained to them. The purely
Village during working hours and lasted for about academic nature of the study was also declared.
thirty-five minutes each. This provided the much- Again, to protect the anonymity of participants,
needed natural background setting needed and the researcher assured them of the confidentiality
helped to elicit responses that reflected the nuances of their responses. They were further assured that
on the ground. To ensure uniformity and ease of participation in the study was strictly voluntary and
procedure, all interviews were conducted in the local they could withdraw at any time in the course of
Twi language, but translated into English during the interactions. They also had the right to refuse to
recording. answer any question they did not wish to.

Data Analysis RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The study used the thematic analytical approach to Characteristics of the sample
analyse the primary data. By this process, the field The respondents were people who were familiar with
data weretranscribed, described and narrated. Data the conditions at the wood village. These comprised
were then grouped according to the specific themes at 15 woodworkers and one technical member of the
hand, from which issues of similarities and contrasts management committee. The 15 woodworkers
were derived and analysed. Direct quotations were consisted of 5 carpenters, 5 saw millers, and 5 lumber
used to give credence to the interpretive write-ups. sellers. All of the carpenters and saw millers were
Ethical Considerations males while four of the lumber sellers were females.
Carpentry and sawmilling are male-dominated
(Creswell, 2007), groups ethical issues into informed
activities while selling of lumber and other building
consent procedures; deception or covert activities; wood products for the building industry has a
confidentiality toward participants, sponsors, and strong women presence. Some of these women had
colleagues; benefits of research to participants been hired by the male shop owners while others
over risks; and participant requests that go beyond were managing their husbands’ shops. Six (6) of the
social norms. According to the ethical guidelines of respondents were aged 31-40 years, and another six
the Social Research Association (SRA), researchers (6) aged 41-50 years. The remaining three (3)were
have obligations towards the subjects of study and older and fell within the age bracket of 51-60. The
therefore, must “strive to protect subjects from undue majority had worked at the wood village for a period
harm arising as a consequence of their participation not less than six years; only one person had worked
in research” (Social Research Association [SRA], there for up to three years. This portends good
2003). knowledge of the study area and its conditions.
1895 AGYEMANG ET AL.
Existing management and associations at the wood realities of the environment in which it is going to
village be implemented. Feasibility study or assessment
focuses on four major areas, including market
In line with its aim, the study sought to find out how
feasibility, technical feasibility, financial/economic
the various categories of woodworkers are organized
feasibility and organisational/managerial feasibility
and how this affects their work. A question was
(Davis, 2016). Organizational/managerial feasibility
asked, “Do you belong to any association here, and
is the focus of this paper.
if so, how does that affect your operations? All the
15 respondents indicated that they belonged to Expected benefits and availability of sawdust for
one association or the other. These unions sought briquette
out the welfare and smooth operation of members’
The news about the proposed establishment of the
businesses. They advocated on behalf of their
briquette plant at the Wood Village was met with
respective members and came to their aid when they
excitement and endorsement by the woodworkers,
had any issue at the workplace. They also assisted
and they expressed their willingness to fully support
members in times of bereavement.
and corporate with it. They further promised to
“I belong to the Anloga Carpenters Workers’ Union here offer their sawdust free of charge to the briquette
(Sokoban Wood Village). So we have leaders who oversee plant when established. Among other things,
our interests and affairs”, (Carpenter, September 11, woodworkers unanimously expected the briquette
2015). plant when established to address the sawdust waste
disposal challenge the wood village faces, generate
“We have a union called the Anloga Carpenters Workers’
income to develop the wood village, as well as create
Union, and we have leaders who manage our operations at
employment.
the wood village”, (Saw miller, September 11, 2015).
“One major challenge facing the wood village here is
“I am a member of Israel Lumber Sellers’ Association. Our
improper disposal of sawdust waste. Now neighbours
leaders manage our activities”, (Lumber seller, September
are even complaining about the site where we burn the
11, 2015).
sawdust. They say it generates too much smoke and is
However, in addition to the various woodwork- affecting them. When the plant is constructed therefore, it
specific associations, there is an umbrella committee will help us to solve this problem. Also, I expect the plant
that hasoversight responsibility for the wood village. to generate income to improve security and sanitation at
It is known as the Sokoban Wood Village Management the wood village”, (Lumber seller, September 11, 2015).
Committee and is made up of representatives of
To respondents, therefore, the establishment of the
the various woodworkers associations as well as
representatives from the Kumasi Metropolitan plant will help clear the high heaps of sawdust that
Assembly (KMA), the Member of Parliament for had piled up the site. It will also address the health
the area, the Regional Forestry Manager, and the effect of burning of sawdust, which is currently the
management company of the village, Goldstreet only other means of disposing of sawdust, other than
Real Estate Consult. Among the functions of the throwing into streams and gutters.
committee are granting of permits and regulating Another interviewee commented
the establishment and operation of businesses and
“The plant will eliminate the sawdust waste disposal
organisations at the wood village. Goldstreet Real
challenge that we face here. It will also help me to even save
Estate Consult has been contracted to undertake day-
some money since I pay for people to collect my sawdust.
to-day consultancy services in security, sanitation
The plant will also generate income that can be used to
and general maintenance. Both the Committee and
rehabilitate some of our roads, and build schools”, (Saw
GoldstreetCompany are answerable to the Kumasi
miller, September 11, 2015).
Metropolitan Assembly, who owns and runs the
facility on behalf of the Government of Ghana. “My shed is always occupied with sawdust, and I find it
difficult to even move around. I believe when the plant is
The main thrust of this study is to assess the
established, the sawdust waste will be cleared regularly. I
feasibility of establishing a briquette manufacturing
also believe the plant will provide income to develop the
plant by evaluating the ideal management structure
wood village and even create employment for people”,
of the plant. According to (Amanor-Boadu, 2003),
(Carpenter respondent, September 11, 2015).
feasibility assessment is the disciplined and
documented process of thinking through an idea These high expectations are in tandem with the
from its logical beginning to its logical end to situation in other jurisdictions. For example, UNDP
determine its practical viability potential, given the Nigeria (n.d) reports that a briquette producing
 TURNING SAWDUST INTO COOKING FUEL: AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR A
BRIQUETTE PLANT AT SOKOBAN WOOD VILLAGE, KUMASI
1896

factory in that country was able to create about 200 should be established on-site at the Wood Village.
jobs among the local communities, with an additional The main reasons for this choice were proximity,
8,000 to be created within five years of the operation proper management and a sense of ownership.
of the project. The project was also projected to Woodworkers claimed that since they were the
achieve 92% reduction in the amount of sawdust ones whose sawdust was going to be used to feed
incinerated – leading to a significant reduction in the plant, it would be unfair to locate the factory
environmental pollution and improvement in the anywhere else.
health of the people. (Young and Khennas, 2003) also
On the management of the briquette plant, majority
report that the expansion in briquette production
of the respondents preferred the Management
in Kigali, Rwanda led to the production and sale of
15,000 tonnes of briquettes per year, created 450 jobs Committee of the Sokoban Wood Village to be in
and supported indirectly a further 1550 jobs. charge. This committee is the overarching body
with oversight responsibility for the wood village.
However, while almost all respondents agreed to Respondents held that the committee had the
offer their sawdust free of charge for the plant, one capacity to manage the plant, as it was broad-based
person gave indication that he would rather sellhis and represented the broad spectrum of the various
sawdust. interest groups and stakeholders in the enclave.
“I sell my sawdust to some poultry farmers and food The committee was held to be trustworthy and also
vendors. I will therefore, sell it to the plant when it is commanded the respect of the various workers.
established, so that I can continue to generate income from Ten (10) woodworkers out of the 15 supported this
the sawdust waste”, (Carpenter, September 11, 2015). position.
The technical member of the Sokoban Wood village “I prefer the Management Committee of the Sokoban Wood
management committee who was interviewed Village to manage this plant. I think the committee is
indicated that sawdust would always be available in representative and has the expertise and capacity to handle
required quantities to supply to the briquette plant the plant when established”, (Carpenter respondent,
when constructed. To him, if there was going to September 11, 2015).
be any problem, it was not going to come from the Another offered
availability of sawdust.
“Oh! The Management Committee of the Sokoban
“I am not sure about the volume and type of sawdust
Wood Village can manage it. That committee has all the
that would be needed; but you can be assured that the
association members on it, so I think they can effectively
availability of sawdust is guaranteed for the operation of
manage it”, (Saw miller, September 11, 2015).
the briquette plant and there is no question about that at
all” (Technical committee member, September 7, 2015). Finally,
If the experiment works in Ghana, the country would “I don’t think the associations can manage this plant.
be among the League of Nations using this technology In my view, the Management Committee of the Sokoban
to save the environment and forests. Countries such Wood Village has the capacity to manage it. The committee
as Bangladesh, Thailand and China are reported to be will also be more accountable and transparent”, (Lumber
using briquette technology to enhance their national seller, September 11, 2015).
economies, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and
enhance environmental conservation by promoting However, three (3) woodworkers were of the
efficient waste management (United State Agency conviction that the respective unions and associations
International Development [USAID], 2010). Since should be the ones to be mandated to manage the
2000, (Fulford and Wheldon, 2014) report that there briquette plant.
has been a rapid increase in the production and use
A carpenter indicated
of wood pellets in Sweden, Germany and Austria. In
Kenya, Chardust Ltd, reckoned as the perhaps the “It is we carpenters who generate the bulk of the waste and
best-known company in the briquetting industry in so it is only fair that our union be allowed to manage the
the country, is able to sell 220 tonnes of fuel briquettes plant”, (Carpenter, September 11, 2015).
per month to domestic users, restaurants and poultry
farmers for brooder heaters (Chardust, 2008). This position was corroborated by another
respondent
Siting and management of the proposed briquette
“I have trust in the Anloga Carpenters Workers’ Union
plant
and I believe they can effectively manage the plant,
All respondents agreed that the briquette plant (Carpenter, September 11, 2015).
1897 AGYEMANG ET AL.
A lumber seller also added his voice to this call thus as well as Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)
in various countries which have seen the positive
“The Anloga South Lumber Sellers Association can
side of waste.
effectively manage the plant. We are one of the largest
associations on site, and I believe we can manage it”, CONCLUSION
(Lumber seller, September 11, 2015).
The main objective of this study was to assess the
Taking a completely different view were two (2) feasibility of establishing a proposed briquette
woodworkers who indicated their preference for an plant at the Sokoban Wood Village in Kumasi, with
outside and independent management team to be in specific interest in the type of management system
charge of the plant. They cited their dissatisfaction that should be put in place to manage the plant when
with the work of the union leaders and the busy set up. From the results, it is inferred that the setting
schedules of the Management Committee of the up of briquette factories to overturn sawdust which
Sokoban Wood Village as their reasons. has become a menace to the environment is highly
“I am not satisfied with the work of union leaders and I feasible and should be encouraged. There are many
don’t trust them. I think an outside management team can sawmill and woodworking enclaves dotted all over
effectively manage the plant. The outside team will also the country, particularly in the forest region, that
promote transparency and accountability”, (Carpenter, produce sawdust in large quantities, hence supply of
September 11, 2015). the principal raw material would not be a problem
at all. Secondly, for ease of access and to ensure a
His other corroborator indicated more integrated system, such a plant should be
“I prefer an outside management team to handle the plant. sited on or close to the saw mill or wood village.
I don’t think the associations have the capacity to manage Thirdly, it is suggested that for such a plant to run
the plant. I also think the Management Committee of the effectively, operators who will operate the facility
Sokoban Wood Village is too occupied to add this to their should be recruited from among the woodworkers
work”, (Saw miller, September 11, 2015). and given sufficient training on its work processes
and maintenance. They should be engaged with their
However, to the Technical member of the Committee, clearly stated conditions of service. However, when it
the management of the facility should be a joint comes to management of the setup, the management
venture between KMA who owns both the land team should be drawn from the woodworkers, the
and the wood village, and GIZ who are the project local authority and the project implementers. Such
promoters. To him, any management arrangement a composition would pass as inclusive as it is drawn
without the involvement of GIZ especially would be from its principal stakeholders. A noted weakness of
a non-starter since they are the principal stakeholders the study is that it is qualitative and relies on non-
in the scheme. probability sampling, which limits the findings in
“The management of the plant should be collaboration terms of applicability. Future studies that rely on
between KMA and then GIZ. This is because KMA owns quantitative and probability sampling approaches
the land and investment at the wood village. would be needed to corroborate the results of these
findings.
The involvement of the private sector in such
environmental efforts is not new. For example, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Cambodia’s briquette project, Sustainable Green Fuel We would like to acknowledge the Federal State of
Enterprise (SGFE) was initiated in 2008 by the NGOs Germany North Rhine-Westphalia and the Deutsche
GERES Cambodia and Pour unSourired’Enfant GesellschaftfürInternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ)
(PSE) through a joint project (SGFE, 2014). Private for sponsoring the project.
enterprises and NGOs have also been at the forefront
of efforts at environmental conservation through REFERENCES
setting up of briquette plants in Kenya. Chardust Ltd, Adom-Asamoah, M. and Afrifa, R.O. (2011).
a private entity, is perhaps the best-known company Investigation on the flexural behaviour of
in the briquetting industry in Kenya (Energy and reinforced concrete beams using phyllite
Environment Partnership (EEP), 2013). The company aggregates from mining waste. Materials & Design.
itself is managed by its three founders and directors, 31 : 4561-4566.
including two foreign nationals and one Kenyan Akuffo, F.O. (2007). Role of renewables. energy crisis
citizen (SGFE, 2014). To sum up, according to (Njenga, in Ghana: Drought, technology or policy? Kwame
et al., 2009), the conversion of organic wastes into fuel Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
briquettes is being undertaken by non-governmental (KNUST), College of Engineering, Kumasi. Ghana.
 TURNING SAWDUST INTO COOKING FUEL: AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR A
BRIQUETTE PLANT AT SOKOBAN WOOD VILLAGE, KUMASI
1898

Amanor-Boadu, V. (2003). Assessing the feasibility of and metallurgical regions. Netherlands: Kluwer
business propositions. Department of Agricultural Academic Publishers.
Economics Agricultural Marketing Resource
Fulford, D. and Wheldon, A. (2014). Ashden
Center, Kansas State University.
Technology: Biomass Briquettes and Pellets www.
Attuquayefio, D.K. and Abdul-Rahim, A. (2013). ashden.org.
Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).
Ghana News Agency [GNA]. (2011). Management
Environmental and Social Management Plan
Committee of Sokoban Wood Village Inaugurated.
(ESMP): Construction of Access Roads with Kerbs
and Drains at Sokoban Wood Village, Kumasi. Ghana Statistical Service. (2008). Ghana Living
Standards Survey. Report of the Fifth Rural
Bautista, J. and Pereira, J. (2006). Modeling the
(GLSS), Accra.
problem of locating collection areas for urban
waste management. An application to the Ghana Statistical Service. (2012). 2010 Population
metropolitan area of Barcelona. Omega journal. 34 and Housing Census, Summary Report of Final
: 617-629. Results.
Bikash, B., Bhowmik, R. and Saikia, M. (2013). Grover, P.D., Mishra, S.K. (1996). Biomass
Challenges of wet briquetting from locally Briquetting: Technology and Practices, in Regional
available biomass. International Journal of Modern Wood Energy Development Programme in Asia
Engineering Research (IJMER). 3 : 1707-1711. GCP/RAS/154/NET. Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) Regional Wood Energy
Brundtland, G.H. (1987). Our common future: Report
Development Programme in Asia, Bangkok,
of the World Commission on Environment and
Thailand.
Development, Oxford, UK: Oxford.
Chardust. (2008). Sustaining business, creating jobs,
Bryman, A (2008). Social Research Methods (3rd ed.).
protecting the environment. www.chardust.com.
New York: Oxford University Press.
KMA. (2006). Metropolitan Medium Term
Creswell, J.W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry & research
Development Plan, 2006-2009, Accra: Government
design: Choosing among five approaches (2nd
of Ghana, Ministry of Local, Rural Development
edn.).USA: Sage Publications.
and Environment.
Davis, A. (2016). A power point presentation on
Koufodimos, G. and Samaras, Z. (2002). Waste
market analysis and feasibility studies. University
management options in Southern Europe using
of Kentucky.
field and experimental data. Journal of Waste
Effah, B., Antwi, K., Adu, G. and Boampong, E. Management. 22 : 47-59.
(2013). The safety culture of artisans at the Sokoban
Maddens, J., Snehal, P., Kapila, R. and Advisors, P.
wood village enclave. Ghana American International
(2013). MCI Working Paper Series on Investment
Journal of Contemporary Research. 3(12).
in the Millennium Cities Sokoban Wood Village
Emerhi, E.A. (2011). Physical and combustion Project in Kumasi, Ghana. The Earth Institute at
properties of briquettes produced from sawdust Columbia University/ The School of Business at
of three hard wood species and different organic the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
binders. Advances in Applied Science Research. 2 : Technology.
236-246.
Mensah-Kutin, R. (2007). Energy and Gender. In
Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP). / Brew-Hammond, A., and Kemausuor, F., (Ed).
Southern and East Africa. (2013) Analysing Energy Crisis in Ghana: Drought, Technology or
Briquette Markets in Tanzania, Kenya and Policy? Kwame Nkrumah University of Science
Uganda. and Technology (KNUST). College of Engineering.
Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). Good Kumasi, Ghana.
forest governance in Ghana can help combat Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. (2014). Draft Policy
climate change. EPA Policy Advice Series No. 7. Document in Local Content and Participation for
Accra. the power sector, Government of Ghana: Accra.
ESMAP. (2011). Energy access and productive Njenga, M., Karanja, N., Prain, G., Malii, J., Munyao,
uses for the urban poor, a scoping study report P., Gathuru, K. and Mwasi, B. (2009). Community-
submitted to the Energy Sector Management Based Energy Briquette Production from Urban
Assistance Programme (ESMAP) of the World Organic Waste at Kahawa Soweto Informal
Bank. Accra: Energy Commission.
Settlement, Nairobi. Urban Harvest Working
Filho, W.L and Butorina, I. (2002). Approaches to Paper Series. International Potato Center, Lima,
handling environmental problems in the mining Peru.
1899 AGYEMANG ET AL.
Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y. (2003). Biodiversity Conservation Guidelines. http://www.the-sra.org.uk/
in Ghana: Challenges and prospects, In documents/pdfs/ethics03.pdf.
Management of Ghana’s Natural Resources.
The Energy Center (KNUST). (2008). Energy-My
Proceedings of the Ghana Academy of Arts and
Vision Flagbearers in Energy in Ghana, Kwame
Sciences. 34.
Nkrumah university of Science and Technology,
Ofosu-Ahenkorah, A.K. (2007). Potential for Energy College of Engineering, Kumasi.
Savings. In Brew-Hammond, A., and Kemausuor,
United State Agency International Development
F., (Ed). Energy Crisis in Ghana: Drought,
[USAID]. (2010). Biomass Briquetting in Sudan: A
Technology or Policy? Kwame Nkrumah
Feasibility Study. Women’s Refugee Commission.
University of Science and Technology (KNUST),
College of Engineering, Kumasi, Ghana. Wereko-Brobby, C.Y. (2003). Energy and Ghana’s
development in the 21st century. In Management
Plistil, D., Brozek, M., Malatak, J., Roy, A. and
of Ghana’s Natural Resources. Proceedings of the
Hutla, P. (2005). Mechanical characteristics of
Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. Accra. 34.
standard fuel briquettes on biomass basis. Journal
of Agriculture Engineering Research. 51 : 66-72. World Bank. (2007) Ghana: Country environmental
analysis. Report No: 36985 New York: World
Seeger Engineering [SGE]. (2015). Energy and
Bank.
Environmental Technology-Focus on our Future.
http://www.seeger-engineering.eu/en/59-seag. Young, P. and Khennas, S. (2003). Feasibility and
impact assessment of a proposed project to
SGFE. (2014). SGFE Cambodia. http://www.sgfe-
briquette municipal solid waste for use as a
cambodia.com/about.
cooking Fuel in Rwanda. Consultancy Report to
Social Research Association [SRA]. (2003). Ethical the Business Linkages Challenge Fund (BLCF).