Ghana to begin export of FLEGT Licensed Timber to EU

Ghana will officially begin exporting Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) licensed timber to the European Union (EU) market on October 8, 2025. By this, Ghana becomes the first African nation and only the second country in the world, after Indonesia, to implement the scheme.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during the 13th Session of the Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism between the Government of Ghana and the European Union in Accra.

“This marks a historic milestone in our journey to strengthen forest governance, ensure timber legality, and promote sustainable trade,” the Minister said. “It has taken us 16 years of determination, reforms, and collaboration to get here, and today Ghana stands ready to lead Africa in this globally recognized licensing system.”

The Minister outlined the extensive efforts that made the breakthrough possible, including the revision of forestry laws, investments in advanced wood-tracking systems, training for industry players, and the active involvement of local communities. He emphasized that these measures ensure all timber exported from Ghana is legal, traceable, and meets international standards.

Looking to the future, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah called on the Forestry Commission to intensify its reforestation agenda. He highlighted President John Mahama’s “Tree for Life” Reforestation Initiative, describing it as a flagship program that “will restore degraded lands and significantly expand commercial tree plantations, thereby reducing pressure on our natural forests.”

The EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, congratulated the country on achieving the milestone, stressing that it was the result of years of shared commitment and perseverance.

“This is not just a date on the calendar; it represents a long chain of commitment, responsibility, and political support from both Ghana and the EU,” Ambassador Razaaly said. “By guaranteeing legality and sustainability, Ghanaian timber will enjoy unfettered access to the EU market of 450 million people.”

The FLEGT licensing system is expected to unlock significant opportunities for Ghana’s timber industry, boosting exports, creating jobs, and contributing to environmental conservation.

“With this achievement, Ghana strengthens its global reputation as a pioneer in sustainable forest management,” the Minister added.