Ghana is in the final stages of becoming the 1st African country to issue the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license to cover its timber and wood products traded on the European Market.
In attendance during the 11th Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism meeting held between Ghana and the EU in Brussels, was the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, who led a high-level Ghanaian delegation made up of representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forest and key stakeholder groups.
The group also included the Ghanaian public authorities in charge of forest administration, private sector and civil society, at the 11th Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism (JMRM) meeting in Brussels which sought to advance on the final procedural steps towards the issuance of FLEGT licenses.
The Minister for Lands and natural resources stated that Ghana has seen significant improvements in forest governance with the implementation and operation of the timber legality assurance system.
Parties involved also agreed on the Joint Action Plan towards FLEGT licensing, and raised outstanding procedural issues to be addressed before FLEGT licenses can be issued. The FLEGT licenses attest to the legality of Ghana’s timber and will facilitate trade in timber and timber related products for both exporters and importers.
According to Koen Doens, Director General at the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships (INTPA), over the years, there has been a remarkable dedication to sustainable forest management and the combatting of illegal logging.
He noted that the dedication of Ghana’s government and its forestry sector, alongside the support and cooperation of European partners, has brought them to the cusp of FLEGT licensing.
“This achievement underscores the power of international cooperation in addressing critical global challenges such as deforestation and illegal logging.
“We look forward to the positive impact that FLEGT licensing will have on Ghana’s timber industry and the broader environment, demonstrating how partnerships and persistent efforts can lead to meaningful change.” he said.
