The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the European Union (EU), particularly in sustainable forest governance.
He announced that Ghana is on track to issue its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) License by June 30, 2025.
This milestone will make Ghana the first country in Africa and the second in the world to achieve this feat.
The Minister made this announcement during a courtesy call by the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring bilateral cooperation between Ghana and the EU and explore further collaboration areas.
Buah acknowledged the Union’s critical role in Ghana’s external trade, describing the EU as one of Ghana’s most significant trading partners, which accounted for approximately 14% of trade volumes in 2022.
Regarding the implementation of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), ratified by Parliament in 2009, the Minister noted that Ghana has made substantial progress in strengthening forest governance systems.
“All is set for the issuance of Ghana’s first FLEGT License. The only outstanding task is the ratification of a second batch of Timber Utilization Contracts (TUCs), which we expect Parliament to address after the Easter break,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the Minister emphasized key areas for strengthened cooperation, including investments in logistics, capacity building, and technology to aid the deployment of the Wood Tracking System (WTS) and the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS).
He also urged the EU for assistance in developing large-scale commercial plantations and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
Additionally, the Minister emphasized other areas that require assistance, such as logistical support in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, land reclamation, restoration of polluted water bodies, and technical aid to modernize the timber industry.
He also highlighted the need for climate financing to promote sustainable forest management.
Buah expressed gratitude to the EU for its continued support to Ghana’s natural resources and environmental sector and looked forward to a stronger and more fruitful partnership in the years ahead.