Ghana’s timber industry will reach a historic milestone on October 8, 2025, when the country’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensing system officially goes live in the European market.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during the 13th Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism Session between Ghana and the European Union (EU) on August 27, 2025.
The move crowns a 16-year reform effort to strengthen forest governance, ensure timber legality, and promote sustainable trade.
Ghana becomes the first African nation and second globally after Indonesia to implement the scheme.
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah outlined Ghana’s wide-ranging preparations, including revisions to forestry laws, investments in advanced wood-tracking systems, training for industry players, and engagement with local communities.
He thanked civil society partners, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the EU team for their critical support, giving special recognition to EU Ambassador H.E. Irchad Razaaly for his leadership.
Looking ahead, the Minister urged the Forestry Commission to scale up reforestation under President John Mahama’s “Tree for Life” Initiative, which seeks to restore degraded lands and expand commercial tree plantations to ease pressure on natural forests.
Ambassador Razaaly hailed Ghana’s achievement as the product of “a long chain of commitment, responsibility, and political support” from both Ghana and the EU.
He stressed the economic benefits, noting that Ghanaian timber will now enjoy guaranteed access to the EU’s 450 million–person market, backed by its proven legality and sustainability.
He further praised the inclusiveness of the process, crediting Parliament, civil society, and local communities for ensuring broad-based ownership and legitimacy.
With this milestone, Ghana cements its role as a global leader in sustainable forest management, unlocking new avenues for trade, jobs, and environmental protection.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
