Ghana to issue FLEGT licenses from June 2025
This landmark deal was officially signed during the 12th Ghana-EU Joint Monitoring Review Mechanism session in Accra on November 6, 2024, marking a major step forward in the sustainable management of Ghana’s timber industry.
The Ghanaian government has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with the European Union, positioning Ghana as the first African nation set to issue Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, beginning on June 30, 2025.
This landmark deal was officially signed during the 12th Ghana-EU Joint Monitoring Review Mechanism session in Accra on November 6, 2024, marking a major step forward in the sustainable management of Ghana’s timber industry. The agreement highlights Ghana's commitment to legal and transparent timber trade and sets a strong example for other nations pursuing FLEGT licensing.
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that contributed to Ghana achieving this pioneering role in the global timber industry. He noted that the agreement results from extensive consultations and reflects the nation's dedication to sustainable and transparent management of forest resources.
Key elements of the agreement are outlined in an Aide Memoire, which provides a detailed strategy for managing Ghana’s forests and developing the timber trade. The Minister emphasized that the document also addresses challenges in the sector, such as illegal logging, and offers a path for economic growth through the export of legally sourced timber.
During the signing ceremony, Hon. Jinapor highlighted, “This Aide Memoire we sign today not only records our progress but also reaffirms our shared goals for future forest management. It stands as a testament to our commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainability, ensuring environmental protection and supporting our people’s well-being and our economy’s resilience.”
The agreement, Jinapor added, follows a comprehensive evaluation by external auditors, who confirmed that all technical and policy measures have been successfully addressed. This milestone was achieved through collaboration and dedication from all parties involved.
The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the United Kingdom, which, before Brexit, supported Ghana’s development of technical systems, trained forest auditors, and established multi-stakeholder platforms crucial for FLEGT licensing. He expressed deep gratitude to the EU for their expertise and steadfast support in navigating the complex FLEGT process.
EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, noted that this achievement follows a 15-year journey, positioning Ghana as a credible supplier of regulated timber in international markets. He highlighted that Ghana’s regulatory rigor would attract investment, boosting confidence among stakeholders in the country’s timber products.
The agreement not only signifies Ghana’s progress in forest governance but also enhances its international market reputation, underscoring the nation’s dedication to legal, sustainable trade practices in the timber industry.
