Preference for Wood and Plastic-Based Ceiling Panels by Homeowners in Ghana： Implications for Tropical Forests Conservation and Prospects for the Local Wood Industry

This study investigated the preference for wood and plastic-based ceiling panels by homeowners in Ghana, the implications for the conservation of tropical forests and prospects for the local wood processing industry. Questionnaire was used to solicit information from 758 homeowners sampled from three cities in Ghana. The results showed that even though wood-based panels continue to enjoy strong patronage among home owners plastic-based panels appear to be the future material for ceiling. The findings suggest that, by 2030, homeowners in Ghana will use more plastic-based ceiling panels than wood-based panels, ceteris paribus. Attractiveness, durability and pleasantness are the key attributes of plastics that influence homeowners＇ decision to patronize the material. Additionally, the concern about the depletion of forest resources in Ghana has shaped homeowners decision to patronize plastic-based ceiling panels. While the shift to the use of plastic-based panels has the potential to moderate the consumption levels of timber and therefore could contribute to the conservation of tropical forests, it has a negative implication on the development of local wood processing industry. One area where manufacturers of wood products such as wood panels can explore in order to increase or maintain the market share of wood-based panel products is sourcing raw timber from certified forests.