FLEGT licenses – Ghana has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first African country and the second in the world after Indonesia to export timber and timber products to the European Union (EU) under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license. This landmark moment represents not only a boost for Ghana’s economy but also a powerful commitment to sustainable forest management and global climate action.
The official launch of Ghana’s FLEGT license system on August 15, 2025, marked the culmination of more than 16 years of reforms, collaboration, and investment across the forestry sector.
Ghana Leads Africa with Legal Timber Exports
Ghana FLEGT license – The historic launch was celebrated in Accra, where the Forestry Commission issued the first six FLEGT certificates to five pioneering Ghanaian companies. These companies — Samartex Timber and Plywood Co. Ltd, Logs and Lumber Ltd, JCM Company Ltd, Mere Plantations Ltd, and West Coast Wooden Products Ghana Ltd — are now authorized to export verified, legal timber products to major European destinations including Italy, Germany, and Estonia.
The move follows the ratification of 131 Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs) by Ghana’s Parliament in June 2025, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for the FLEGT system to go live.
With this step, Ghana positions itself as a global leader in sustainable forest governance, setting a standard that other African nations such as Cameroon, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo are still working toward through their Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with the EU.
What the FLEGT License Means for Ghana
The FLEGT license is more than a piece of paper — it is an international guarantee that Ghana’s timber exports are legally harvested, responsibly processed, and fully compliant with Ghanaian and EU laws. Products covered by the license automatically comply with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which eliminates the burden of additional due diligence for European importers.
This means Ghanaian timber products now enjoy seamless access to the lucrative EU market, while simultaneously removing the risk of illegal timber trade. Over 350 industry operators have been trained in the licensing process, ensuring international buyers can engage with confidence.
A 16-Year Journey Toward Sustainable Timber Trade
Ghana’s journey toward this milestone began in 2009, when the country signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU. The goal was clear: to ensure that only legal, sustainable, and traceable timber would be exported to international markets.
The launch of the FLEGT system follows years of reforms that included:
Establishing the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS) to track timber from the forest to export.
Ratifying new forest management laws and contracts.
Strengthening transparency, governance, and stakeholder involvement in the timber sector.
Combating illegal logging and promoting sustainable practices.
This long process, which spanned multiple political administrations, demonstrates Ghana’s resilience and national unity in achieving a common goal for the environment and economy alike.
Government’s Strong Commitment to Forest Protection
Ghana FLEGT license – At the launch ceremony, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Innocent Haligah, speaking on behalf of Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized that the FLEGT milestone proved Ghana’s unwavering commitment to protecting its forests.
“This achievement signals that Ghana is ready to set a global example for sustainable forest management,” Haligah declared, warning illegal loggers and galamsey (illegal mining) operators that they would face the full force of the law.
He further noted that the license was an opportunity to expand Ghana’s timber market while ensuring that forests were sustainably harvested and protected for future generations.
Forestry Commission Calls for Accountability
Ghana FLEGT license – The Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, highlighted how the Timber Legality Assurance System (T-LAS) has transformed the timber industry by bringing greater accountability, transparency, and governance.
He called on all forest sector companies to operate strictly within the legal framework and urged those engaged in illegal logging and mining to stop immediately.
“The FLEGT license is not just a certificate; it’s a call to responsibility,” he said.
European Union Pledges Strong Support
The European Union Delegation to Ghana, represented by Deputy Head Jonas Claes, praised Ghana for becoming a trailblazer in Africa.
“Today is a big day for EU-Ghana relations and sustainability,” Claes said. “This step marks Ghana’s commitment to trading in legal timber products, combating illegal logging, and strengthening good forest governance.”
He added that while the issuance of FLEGT licenses was a historic milestone, the journey had only begun. Ghana must continue to play by the rules of engagement and focus on tackling deforestation and biodiversity loss.
To support Ghana, the EU announced additional funding, including €400,000 worth of IT equipment for the Forestry Commission and a planned €37 million investment to improve the management and conservation of natural resources, focusing on cocoa in central Ghana and cashew in northern Ghana.
Chiefs, Diplomats, and Civil Society Celebrate Success
The event drew policymakers, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners. Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, commended all stakeholders for their contributions to this historic achievement.
Civil society groups, who had long pressured government agencies to deliver on the FLEGT commitment, also welcomed the launch, describing it as a victory for transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship.
Ghana’s Global Impact in Sustainable Forestry
Ghana’s achievement resonates beyond its borders. A global study titled “Collecting Evidence of FLEGT-VPA Impacts” found that VPAs have contributed to significant improvements in forest governance across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In Ghana, the impact has been even stronger, with clear evidence of:
Reduced illegal logging and timber trade.
Increased transparency in forest management.
More sustainable forestry practices.
Improved international reputation as a reliable trade partner.
By becoming the first African country to issue FLEGT licenses, Ghana has positioned itself as a model for sustainable development, setting an example for other tropical forest nations.
Conclusion: A New Era for Ghana’s Timber Industry
The launch of Ghana’s FLEGT license system is more than a regulatory success — it is a historic turning point for the country’s forestry sector. It strengthens Ghana’s partnership with the European Union, opens new economic opportunities, and most importantly, ensures that future generations inherit protected forests and sustainable livelihoods.
With the EU’s backing and Ghana’s firm political will, the FLEGT system is set to transform not only Ghana’s timber industry but also the way Africa manages and conserves its vast forest resources.
Ghana’s message to the world is clear: sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand.
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