Ghana to Begin Timber Exports to the EU Under FLEGT Licence on October 8

Ghana will begin exporting Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensed timber to the European Union on October 8, 2025, becoming the first African nation and only the second worldwide after Indonesia to secure the globally recognized certification.

The announcement, made by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah at the 13th Session of the Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism between Ghana and the EU, represents the culmination of a 16-year reform process aimed at cleaning up the forestry sector, strengthening governance, and positioning Ghana as a credible global supplier.

“This accomplishment positions Ghana as the first African nation and the second globally, after Indonesia, to implement this globally recognized licensing scheme,” Armah-Kofi Buah said. He pointed to revised forestry laws, advanced digital wood-tracking systems, industry training, and community engagement as measures that underpin the new system of legality and traceability.

Strategic Benefits for Ghana

The FLEGT deal is expected to deliver wide-ranging dividends for Ghana’s economy and environment:

• Premium Market Access: FLEGT licensing gives Ghanaian timber automatic entry into the EU’s single market of 450 million consumers, eliminating barriers linked to legality verification.
  
• Export Growth & Investment: Access to one of the world’s most sustainability-conscious markets could expand Ghana’s share of the EU’s €100 billion timber and wood products trade, while attracting green finance and investment into the sector.
  
• Job Creation & Value Chains: From harvesting and processing to certification and transport, the scheme is expected to create employment and expand opportunities for rural communities.
  
• Governance Gains: The licensing process is expected to strengthen transparency, curbed illegal logging, and increase accountability in revenue flows.
  
• Environmental Protection: Linked with President John Mahama’s “Tree for Life” reforestation initiative, the reforms will support the restoration of degraded lands and the development of commercial plantations, easing pressure on natural forests.
  

Armah-Kofi Buah also called on the Forestry Commission to intensify reforestation efforts, describing the “Tree for Life” initiative as critical to sustaining the gains of the FLEGT reforms.

EU Endorsement

EU Ambassador to Ghana Irchad Razaaly hailed the achievement as the product of sustained commitment from both sides. He said the October launch reflects “a long chain of commitment, responsibility, and political support” from Ghana, the EU, civil society, and local communities.

Highlighting the commercial opportunity, Razaaly added, “By guaranteeing legality and sustainability, Ghanaian timber will enjoy unfettered access to the EU market of 450 million people.”

The ambassador also praised the inclusiveness of the process, noting the roles of civil society, local communities, and Ghana’s Parliament in ratifying and converting timber leases.

Ghana’s entry into the FLEGT regime as a landmark for Africa. In a global market increasingly shaped by sustainability regulations, Ghana’s move not only secures competitive access to Europe but also sets a precedent for other African timber producers.

The scheme is expected to bolster Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings, reinforce its international reputation as a pioneer in sustainable forestry, and make the country an attractive destination for sustainable finance.

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