The University of Ghana is actively leading efforts to replant and conserve the endangered Kapok tree popularly referred to as the ‘silk-cotton tree’ by collaborating with the Forestry Commission.
The Kapok tree, scientifically known as Ceiba pentandra, a large tropical tree native to the rainforests forms part of their endangered tree species including Baobab (Adansonia digitata), Dawadawa (Parkia biglobosa), and Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa).
There are only four Kapok trees in the lush ecosystem of the Univeristy of Ghana, which is home to plant speciaies such as the Mahogany tree, Rainbow tree, Flamboyant tree, Moringa Tree, The Tree of Life, among others.
In an interview with The Indpendent Ghana, Senior Curator of Grounds and Environmental Health at the University, Mr Philip Quaye, stated that presently, the areas where the Kapok trees are planted are off limits to individuals without authorisation.
“They are highly protected. It is a soft wood, it is highly priced. We have seedlings from the Forestry Commission that periodically we will be planting,” Mr Quaye said in response to actions that will be undertaken to ensure the plant does not go extinct.
Kapok trees are among the tallest trees in tropical rainforests, capable of reaching heights of up to 60-70 meters. The fibers inside the seed pods are used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their lightweight, buoyant, and water-resistant properties.
Its wood can be used to make canoes, carvings, and lightweight furniture. It is believed to be the home of spirits or a playground for witches.
Despite the potential of the Kapok tree, Ghana has failed to have a vibrant cotton sector since it collapsed in the 80s, and efforts to revive it have so far been unsuccessful.The collapse of the cotton sector may also have affected raw material supplies to the textile sector .
To revive the sector, a Cotton Development Authority (CDA) has been established but is poorly resourced and with limited powers. Support for the cotton research sector is also poor, according to the Ghana Invement Promotion Centre.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to revamp the cotton industry in northern Ghana to create more jobs for the teeming unemployed youth if elected in the 2024 election.
“Cotton is the easiest cash crop to cultivate because it doesn’t like much rain and also doesn’t affect other crops’ cultivation. With a deliberate investment, the cotton industry, which has now virtually collapsed, will be revitalised to boost the economy,” the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said at a town hall meeting in Tamale in February 2024.