Now barking up the right tree
Ghana has resumed verified legal timber exports to the EU under a new licensing agreement, reinforcing sustainable forestry and market access.
Ghana has resumed exporting verified legal timber to the European Union under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), which introduces a licensing system to ensure all wood products are legally sourced. This follows comprehensive reforms in Ghana’s forest governance, including improved tracking and verification mechanisms. The EU has endorsed the framework as an effective tool against illegal logging and a means to foster sustainable trade. The move marks a significant advancement for Ghana’s forestry sector, enhancing access to international markets while reinforcing sustainable practices. The first consignments under the agreement have been dispatched, signalling a new phase in regulated timber exports.
Ghana’s forestry sector is poised for a significant turnaround, thanks to a new agreement that allows it to resume legal timber exports to the European Union. This development comes as a major boost for the country, which has been grappling with the economic and environmental fallout of illegal logging and trade restrictions. Ghana and the Ivory Coast have long been the dominant players in West Africa’s timber export sector, with Ghana currently leading the way. This year alone, Ghana's annual timber export value is projected to exceed €200 million.
The country’s forestry sector has faced considerable challenges, including widespread deforestation and land degradation, which have been exacerbated by illegal mining. These activities have not only severely depleted forest cover but have also impacted cocoa production, a sector in which Ghana is the world’s second-largest producer. Last year, despite facing supply restrictions, particularly from the EU, Ghana still managed to record nearly €93 million in timber exports by the third quarter.
This new EU regulatory framework offers Ghana a path to recovery and sustainable growth. The framework will allow the country to legally export timber to the EU, a move that is expected to significantly increase foreign exchange earnings and help stabilise the local currency. Beyond boosting revenues, this initiative is also anticipated to create jobs and revitalise the timber industry.
The resumption of legal exports under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensing scheme is a major milestone, reinforcing the country's commitment to sustainable forest management and governance reforms. The Forestry Commission has already issued the first six FLEGT certificates to five Ghanaian companies, paving the way for legal timber and timber product exports. This will enhance Ghana’s credibility in complying with international environmental and trade standards and restore access to a valuable export market. While this is a significant step forward, sustained compliance, robust monitoring, and transparency will be essential to maintain momentum and prevent illegal practices from undermining this progress.