Ghana has announced it will begin issuing Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses from 30 June 2025, becoming the first country globally to do so. The licensing scheme, part of a European Union initiative aimed at reducing illegal logging and promoting the sustainable trade of timber, was confirmed at a ceremony in Accra on 6 November.
The landmark agreement, unveiled during the 12th session of the Ghana-EU Joint Monitoring Review Mechanism, represents the culmination of years of collaborative work under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between Ghana and the EU. The initiative is designed to ensure that all timber exported to the EU meets stringent standards for legality and sustainability.
Samuel Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, praised the many stakeholders whose dedication helped bring the project to fruition. “Ghana’s commitment to responsible forest management and transparent governance is a model for other countries,” he said, adding that the FLEGT licenses underscore Ghana’s resolve to lead in the legal timber trade and forest preservation efforts.
The FLEGT initiative follows years of detailed stakeholder discussions, extensive assessments by external auditors, and strategic action plans to tackle illegal logging. Jinapor noted that the recently signed Aide Memoire, a formal agreement between Ghana and the EU, provides a structured roadmap for managing Ghana’s forests, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and economic growth through the sustainable trade of timber products.
The minister also highlighted that the FLEGT framework will contribute to Ghana’s economic growth while safeguarding its environmental heritage. “This roadmap not only reaffirms our commitment to environmental protection but aligns with the resilience of our economy and the well-being of our people,” he stated.
The EU’s FLEGT licensing scheme forms part of a broader strategy to curb illegal logging by fostering sustainable forest management practices and strengthening governance in the sector. As Ghana sets its sights on the June 2025 start date, officials hope the scheme will serve as an international model for sustainable timber trade.
Source:TheDotNews