Oct 10, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. 1,755 export permits were processed, approved and issued to exporters during the 2Q 2011 for the shipment of timber and wood products through the ports of Takoradi and Tema, Ghana, as well as via overland routes to neighbouring ECOWAS countries, ITTO reported. Compared to approval levels during the previous quarter the 2Q results were up almost 12%. Sawnwood continues to account for the highest number of export permits issued at almost 60% during the quarter under review. Plywood export approvals were the second highest accounting for around 15% of the total permits issued. A total of 778 permits were approved for the exports of sawnwood, plywood and blockboard by road to Nigeria, Niger, Benin, Mali and Togo during the quarter under review. The total permits issued for overland export showed an increase of 31% when compared to the figure achieved during the previous quarter. Permits issued for overland export totalled 43,021cubic metres (up 10.5%) and these exports generated earnings of Euro 9.30 million compared to the previous quarter.