After Indonesia, Ghana is now the second nation in the world and the first in Africa to export timber to the European Union under stringent sustainability and legality requirements, having formally established its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) license.
After Ghana signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU in 2009, a 16-year reform path came to a head with this historic accomplishment.
Ghana’s “commitment to protect forests, uphold the rule of law, and ensure ethically sourced timber” is demonstrated by this milestone, according to Mr. Innocent Haligah, the Chief Director of the Ministry, who spoke on behalf of Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
He clarified that in order to ensure complete adherence to international norms, the recently created Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS) will track timber from the forest to export.
For their consistent support, Mr. Haligah praised the timber sector, civil society, and international partners, including the European Forest Institute, Palladium, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
In addition, he warned that illegal loggers and galamsey operators will be subject to the full force of the law, saying, “This achievement signals that Ghana is ready to trade responsibly and set a global standard for sustainable forest management.”
The Timber Legality Assurance System (T-LAS) has revolutionized sector governance by creating a clear chain of custody from the forest to the point of export, according to Dr. Hugh Brown, Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, who reflected on the protracted development process.
He attested to the fact that T-LAS’s strong data foundation increases openness, speeds up decision-making, and encourages stakeholder involvement.
Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, the Central Regional House of Chiefs President and event chairman, praised the combined efforts of industrial participants, policymakers, technocrats, civil society, and development partners.
Source: newsthemegh.com