The Timber Validation Committee was established by Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to improve integrity and openness in Ghana’s timber sector.
Although the forestry industry continues to be essential for jobs, livelihoods, and foreign exchange, he pointed out that unsustainable methods have put exports and forest resources at risk.
According to him, government changes are intended to guarantee that all timber exports are obtained lawfully, including the 2009 Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU under the FLEGT project.
Created by Parliament, the committee will supervise wood licensing, ensure adherence to forestry regulations, and direct the application of FLEGT permits, which will be required for all EU timber exports starting in October 2025.
Hon. Fiifi Buckman, the chair of the committee, emphasized that woods are a national treasure as well as economic resources and promised expertise and objectivity.
Source: newsthemegh.com