Ghana has officially signed an agreement with the European Union to become the first African country to issue Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences.

Starting from 30th June 2025, the landmark deal will allow Ghana to export legal timber products to European markets under this certification, signalling a significant achievement in the sustainable management of the country’s timber resources.

The agreement was formalised at the 12th session of the Ghana-EU Joint Monitoring Review Mechanism of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) held in Accra on 6th November 2024.

The signing of this agreement is the culmination of years of intensive engagement with stakeholders and solidifies Ghana’s commitment to sustainable forestry practices, positioning the nation as a model for other countries seeking to implement FLEGT licensing.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, praised the dedication of all individuals and organisations that contributed to this milestone, hailing it as a testament to the transparent, accountable, and sustainable management of Ghana's forest resources.

 “We are united in our belief that good governance is essential not only for environmental protection but also for the well-being of our people and the resilience of our economies,” he stated.

Highlighting the key aspects of the Aide Memoire, Mr. Jinapor noted that the document serves as a comprehensive guide for the future of Ghana’s forest management, targeting illegalities and establishing a strong foundation for economic growth through legal timber trade.

“The systems established have undergone thorough assessments by external auditors, with all corrective actions duly resolved,” he added, underscoring the robustness of Ghana's technical and policy frameworks.

The Minister also acknowledged the vital support from the United Kingdom, which had partnered with Ghana prior to Brexit. Development cooperation with the UK provided grant funding that was instrumental in establishing Ghana’s technical systems, training forest auditors, and meeting the independent auditing requirements set out in the agreement.

European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, highlighted that Ghana’s journey to FLEGT licensing began fifteen years ago. He praised the country’s resilience in meeting all requirements, noting that Ghana’s new status would enhance its credibility on the international stage.

“This new status not only reflects Ghana’s commitment to sustainable timber practices but also strengthens investor confidence in the governance of the country’s timber resources,” the EU ambassador remarked.