Ghana is first African country to export timber to EU under FLEGT license

Ghana has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African nation and the second country globally to export timber to the European Union (EU) under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license.

The breakthrough marks the culmination of a 16-year reform process aimed at promoting sustainable forest management and ensuring the legality of timber exports.

The achievement follows the signing of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU in 2009, which committed Ghana to reforming its forestry sector to meet strict international standards.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mr. Innocent Haligah, described the launch of the FLEGT license as a landmark moment for Ghana’s environmental governance.

“This milestone demonstrates Ghana’s unwavering commitment to protect our forests, uphold the rule of law, and ensure ethically sourced timber,” Mr. Haligah said.

He highlighted the development of the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS), an advanced monitoring platform designed to track timber from forest to export, guaranteeing full compliance with EU regulations and global sustainability standards.

Mr. Haligah also commended the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the timber industry, civil society, and international partners such as the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Palladium, and the European Forest Institute (EFI).

“This achievement signals that Ghana is ready to trade responsibly and set a global benchmark for sustainable forest management,” he added, warning that illegal loggers and galamsey operators would face the full force of the law.

The Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, noted that the implementation of the Timber Legality Assurance System (T-LAS) has transformed the forestry sector by ensuring transparency, improving governance, and enhancing stakeholder participation.

Chairing the launch, the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, praised the collective determination of policymakers, technocrats, civil society, and industry players in reaching this milestone.

Ghana’s first timber consignment under the FLEGT license is expected to open up broader trade opportunities while reinforcing the country’s global reputation for sustainable resource management.