Ghana is to become the first African country and second in the world to begin the issuance of licenses for timber exports under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) scheme.  

This is in spite of the country grappling with persistent concerns of forest degradation due to illegal logging and mining activities. 

The Forestry Commission says it has instituted measures for the strict compliance with tree harvesting regulations, including traceability in line with the European Union’s Voluntary Partnership Agreement. 

An European Union delegation visited the Bobiri Forest Reserve in the Ashanti region to observe the implementation of sustainable forest management practices per international standards.

Officials of the Forestry Commission took the delegation through tree marking and tariffing deep in the forest. 

The activity is part of processes undertaken by the Commission to ensure timber traceability as the country readies itself to issue EU-approved licenses for the industry.

The license is as an implementing scheme of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement Action Plan signed between Ghana and the European Union in 2009.  

The Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade scheme controls, verifies and licenses legal timber for both domestic and export markets of the European Union.

Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, John Allotey said: “This field visit reinforces the joint commitment between the EU and Ghana to address the challenges posed by illegal logging, deforestation, and associated trade. By fostering sustainable forest management practices, Ghana continues to showcase its dedication to preserving its natural resources while contributing to global efforts for a more sustainable future,” he said.

As an important aspect of Ghana's sustainable development agenda, the forest sector plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth, combating climate change, and preserving biodiversity.

A 2018 Global Forest Watch report revealed Ghana was the country with the fastest depleting forest cover globally due to illegal logging and mining activities. 

The EU Timber Regulation aims to reduce illegal logging by prohibiting EU operators from placing illegally harvested timber and derived timber products on the EU market.

With the country grappling with forest degradation, EU-Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly reiterated commitments to forest conservation.

“I’ve seen a solid system of traceability. We have a common interest with Ghana to work together to ensure suitable and more sustainable potential of the forest would reach an agreeable platform for the Ghanaian population,” he said.

After the trees are harvested, they are transported to the mills to be cut into different shapes and forms for export.

Managing Director of Logs and Lumber Limited, Avedis Jeghalian, believes access to the licenses would expand their market exportations globally.

“The market is now competitive. We are only able to send our products to other parts of the world and not the EU market. The licenses would help attract buyers from the EU market. Our productivity has increased over the years to 50% capacity now,” he said.

The delegation also paid visits to the traditional council to address their concerns as part of the final phase of the action plan.