Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has announced that Ghana will make its first export of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)-licensed timber to the European Union (EU) on June 30, 2025. This milestone was disclosed during the 12th session of the Ghana-EU Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) held in Accra.
FLEGT-licensed timber ensures that timber products are sourced legally and sustainably, in line with international standards and regulations. This licensing demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to responsible forestry management and compliance with environmental and governance criteria set by the EU under the VPA.
The move makes Ghana the first African country to attain this feat, thus the only African nation to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on the trade in timber and timber products.
The first consignment marks Ghana’s official entry into the EU timber market under the FLEGT licensing scheme, providing an opportunity to increase export revenues and gain a competitive edge in European markets, where certified timber products are highly sought after.
The announcement reflects Ghana’s progress in forest governance reforms, enhancing transparency and legal compliance in its forestry sector. This move is expected to strengthen sustainable forest management practices, reduce illegal logging, and improve the livelihoods of local communities dependent on the forestry sector.
The Minister’s announcement highlights the collaborative work between Ghana and the EU under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement, aimed at promoting sustainable timber trade. Through joint monitoring and review mechanisms, Ghana has implemented reforms to meet stringent EU standards, setting a benchmark for other timber-producing countries. The export of FLEGT-licensed timber offers Ghana both economic and environmental benefits, including increased export earnings, access to premium markets, and improved forest conservation efforts. It underscores Ghana’s dedication to leveraging sustainable resource management for economic development and environmental stewardship
