Ghana is on the Verge of becoming the first African country to Issue FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade) licenses for its Timber and Wood Products traded in the European Market.
This achievement comes after the 11th Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism meeting between Ghana and the EU held in Brussels from September 20th to 26th, 2023.
Key points about this development:
- Historical Significance: Ghana is set to become the second Country globally, after Indonesia, to engage in the Trade of Legally certified Wood and Wood Products with the EU under the FLEGT mechanism.
This achievement reflects a Decade of Institutional and Regulatory reforms in the Trade of Legal Timber in Ghana.
- Timber Legality Assurance System: Ghana’s Timber Legality Assurance System is expected to be fully operational in 2024.
This system will play a crucial role in ensuring the responsible Management of the Country’s Forest resources and securing the Legality of Timber Exports.
- Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA): Ghana Initially Signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union (EU) in November 2009, becoming the first Timber-producing Country to do so.
The Agreement aimed to promote Legal and Sustainable Timber trade between Ghana and the EU.
- FLEGT License: A FLEGT license Serves as an Export License Issued by a VPA partner Country, certifying that Timber or Timber-related Products exported under that License are Legal.
It ensures Compliance with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and prohibits the Sale of Illegally harvested Timber in the EU Market.
- High-Level Delegation: A Delegation from Ghana, led by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, attended the 11th Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism (JMRM) meeting in Brussels.
The delegation included Representatives from various Government Agencies, the Private Sector, and Civil Society.
- Global Impact: This Development marks a significant Milestone in the Global efforts to combat Illegal Timber Trade and enhance Forest Governance in Ghana.
It aligns with the objectives of the VPA to Improve Forest Governance and ensure the Legal and Sustainable Trade of Timber.
Ghana’s progress in obtaining FLEGT Licenses underscores its Commitment to responsible Forestry Management and sustainable Trade practices, benefiting both its Economy and the Global Environment.
