Higher density & hardness decades of mineral absorption make the wood heavier and stronger, ideal for structural and luxury uses.
From River
The Akosombo Dam, completed in 1965, created Lake Volta – the world’s largest man‑made lake by surface area (≈8,500 km²). Behind the dam, some 3,500 km² of mature tropical forest were inundated. The trees, many of them old‑growth hardwoods, were never felled; instead they remained standing underwater and were preserved by the lake’s fresh water. This underwater forest is both a hazard – protruding stumps cause boat accidents– and a huge opportunity: scientists estimate there are millions of cubic metres of salvageable timber.
The Akosombo Dam, completed in 1965, created Lake Volta – the world’s largest man‑made lake by surface area (≈8,500 km²). Behind the dam, some 3,500 km² of mature tropical forest were inundated. The trees, many of them old‑growth hardwoods, were never felled; instead they remained standing underwater and were preserved by the lake’s fresh water. This underwater forest is both a hazard – protruding stumps cause boat accidents– and a huge opportunity: scientists estimate there are millions of cubic metres of salvageable timber.
To Reservoir
To Reservoir
Our Origins
In 2010 the Government of Ghana granted CSR Developments (CSRD) – the predecessor of KKTR – exclusive rights to salvage submerged timber over 350,000 ha of Lake Volta. Dedeso Holdings Incorporated, a majority Ghanaian‑owned company, subsequently acquired CSRD and operates the concession through its subsidiary KKTR. Commercial harvesting began in the early 2010s using Triton’s SHARC Harvester, a patented underwater logging system. The SHARC can cut trees at depths greater than 25m using sonar and video guidance. Logs are retrieved to the surface, sorted and processed at our Sedorm‑Yiti facility.
Our Origins
In 2010 the Government of Ghana granted CSR Developments (CSRD) – the predecessor of KKTR – exclusive rights to salvage submerged timber over 350,000 ha of Lake Volta. Dedeso Holdings Incorporated, a majority Ghanaian‑owned company, subsequently acquired CSRD and operates the concession through its subsidiary KKTR.
Commercial harvesting began in the early 2010s using Triton’s SHARC Harvester, a patented underwater logging system. The SHARC can cut trees at depths greater than 25m using sonar and video guidance. Logs are retrieved to the surface, sorted and processed at our Sedorm‑Yiti facility.
Our Mission
KKTR's mission is to unlock the value of Ghana’s submerged forests while protecting the nation’s living trees.
By recovering logs that would otherwise remain a hazard, we provide high‑quality timber to the world without clearing another hectare of rainforest. We work closely with local communities and government agencies to ensure safe lake navigation, generate employment and invest royalties back into development initiatives.
The Hidden
Characteristics
of Petrified Wood
The Hidden
Characteristics
of Petrified Wood
Our timber is not ordinary lumber. Submersion for sixty years has altered its structure
Dimensional stability after proper kiln drying the wood exhibits minimal warping or cracking.
Distinctive colours & grain mineralisation produces rich browns, golds and reds with striking grain contrasts.
Natural durability underwater logs are protected from insects and fungi, so the wood shows fewer defects.