Ghana will from October 8 this year, have unhindered access to the European Union (EU) market for its legally sourced timber products.
This follows the signing of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Licensing Agreement with the EU.
Ghana becomes the first country in Africa, and the second globally, to obtain the FLEGT Licence, a development expected to give the country a competitive edge in the international timber trade.
Addressing the 13th session of the Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism (JMRM) between Ghana and the EU in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Armah Kofi Buah, described the milestone as a “deep sense of national accomplishment.”
“Sixteen years after signing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement, our commitment to building robust technical systems, strong institutions and a uniquely collaborative policymaking process has indeed come to fruition. Over this period, we have strengthened our legal framework, improved transparency in timber allocation, invested in modern tracking and legality assurance systems, engaged communities, and trained industry players to comply with legality requirements,” he stated.
Mr Buah, who is also the caretaker Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, said the launch of the live operation of the FLEGT licensing system on August 15, 2025, paved the way for Ghana’s timber legality assurance system to be recognised by the EU.
He said signing of the agreement meant that timber from Ghana would be admitted to the European market from October 8 without further due diligence requirements.
“This milestone demonstrates to the world that Ghana manages its forest resources within a framework of good governance anchored in the rule of law, transparency and accountability,” Mr Buah said.
He added that the achievement placed Ghana in a stronger position to respond proactively to emerging global requirements, including the soon-to-be operational EU deforestation regulation.
Acknowledging the challenges encountered in the 15-year journey, the Minister paid tribute to government officials, industry players, civil society organisations and international partners who contributed to the process.
He particularly commended the EU Delegation to Ghana and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for their financial, policy and technical support.
Mr Buah also called for support for Ghana’s flagship “Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative” launched by President John Dramani Mahama earlier this year.
The initiative, the Minister said, sought to restore degraded landscapes, increase commercial tree planting and reduce pressure on natural forests.
A consultant to the JMRM, Mr Chris Beeko, described the development as “a very important milestone in the EU-Ghana partnership,” noting that the licence marked the conclusion of a 15-year effort.
He said the EU had confirmed that its systems were ready to receive Ghana’s FLEGT licences beginning October 8.
The review meeting also considered the report of the independent monitor of Ghana’s timber legality assurance system, preparations for a test shipment to the EU, and future communication on the achievements at global platforms.
The Ambassador of the EU to Ghana, Mr Irchad Razaaly, said the agreement would help Ghana gain access to the EU’s timber market of more than 450 million people.
“The FLEGT Licence strengthens cooperation between Ghana and the EU and demonstrates what can be achieved when both parties are committed to a shared vision,” he added.
Mr Razaaly said the agreement would be a big boost for Ghana’s timber industry.
The FLEGT initiative is a key component of the EU’s efforts to combat illegal logging and promote sustainable forest management globally.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
