Ghana has announced that its Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) licensed timber will enter the European market on October 8, 2025.

This historic milestone marks the culmination of a 16-year journey to strengthen forest governance, ensure timber legality, and promote sustainable trade.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during the 13th Session of the Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism between the Government of Ghana and the European Union on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

This accomplishment positions Ghana as the first African nation and the second globally, after Indonesia, to implement this globally recognised licensing scheme.

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Armah-Kofi Buah detailed Ghana’s extensive efforts, which included revising forestry laws, investing in advanced wood-tracking systems, training industry stakeholders, and engaging local communities.

These measures, he noted, ensure that all timber exported from Ghana meets the highest standards of legality and traceability.

Buah expressed profound gratitude to the joint technical teams, civil society organisations, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for their invaluable support.

He offered special recognition to the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, for his pivotal leadership throughout the process.

Looking ahead, the minister challenged the Forestry Commission to intensify reforestation efforts, specifically highlighting President John Dramani Mahama’s “Tree for Life” Reforestation Initiative.

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This flagship program aims to restore degraded lands and expand commercial tree plantations to reduce pressure on natural forests.

In his remarks, Razaaly commended Ghana’s unwavering determination. He emphasised that the October launch is not merely a date change but the result of “a long chain of commitment, responsibility, and political support” from both Ghana and the EU.

He underscored the significant economic opportunity this creates, stating, “By guaranteeing legality and sustainability, Ghanaian timber will enjoy unfettered access to the EU market of 450 million people.”

Razaaly also praised the inclusiveness of the process, recognising the critical roles played by civil society, local communities, and Ghana’s Parliament in the final ratification and conversion of timber leases.

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