"Ghana’s licensed timber set to hit EU market from October 8" – Lands Minister

Ghana will begin exporting Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensed timber to the European Union (EU) from October 8, 2025, becoming the first African country – and only the second worldwide after Indonesia – to implement this internationally endorsed timber legality assurance system.

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 EU, held on Wednesday, August 27 in Accra.

The Minister described the move as a “historic breakthrough,” highlighting that it crowns nearly two decades of reforms aimed at improving forest governance, ensuring timber legality, and promoting sustainable trade.

“This is a proud moment for Ghana,” the Minister said, noting that the launch follows years of sustained investment in institutional reforms, policy alignment, stakeholder training, and the deployment of a high-tech wood-tracking system to guarantee traceability from forest to port.

He thanked various partners, including civil society organizations, traditional authorities, timber industry players, and international development agencies such as the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

He also singled out the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, for what he called “exceptional leadership and cooperation.”

In line with Ghana’s broader forest protection agenda, the Minister urged the Forestry Commission to ramp up afforestation initiatives, particularly under President John Mahama’s flagship “Tree for Life” Reforestation Programme.

The initiative seeks to restore degraded lands, boost commercial tree plantation development, and ease the burden on natural forests.

EU Ambassador Irchad Razaaly applauded Ghana’s commitment, saying the October launch represents more than just a date — it reflects years of hard work, shared responsibility, and political will from both Ghana and the EU.

“This is a significant economic and environmental milestone,” the Ambassador said.

“With FLEGT licensing, Ghanaian timber gains guaranteed access to a 450-million-strong EU market, setting a new standard for legal and sustainable trade.”

He further praised the inclusive nature of Ghana’s FLEGT process, noting the active participation of Parliament, civil society groups, and forest-dependent communities in ensuring transparency and fairness in the timber value chain.

The launch of FLEGT licensing is expected to boost investor confidence in Ghana’s forestry sector, create employment, and reinforce the country’s leadership role in sustainable forest management on the African continent.

With this achievement, Ghana not only unlocks new trade opportunities but also strengthens its position as a champion of legal and environmentally responsible resource management.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith