On 18 August, Ghana officially launched the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license, becoming the first African nation and the second globally, after Indonesia, to implement this important certification. This significant achievement underscores Ghana’s leadership in sustainable forest governance and the legal timber trade.
The launch ceremony followed the successful activation of Ghana’s FLEGT license system on 15 August 2025, marking the commencement of verified legal timber exports. This milestone results from nearly 16 years of reform, collaboration, and investment within Ghana’s forestry sector, culminating in the recent ratification of 131 Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs) by Parliament—an essential regulatory step toward implementation.
The FLEGT license certifies that timber and timber-related products exported to the European Union (EU) are harvested and processed in compliance with Ghanaian legislation. Products that possess a valid license automatically meet the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), thereby ensuring streamlined access to the EU market while mitigating the risk of illegal timber trade.
Over 350 industry operators have been trained in the licensing process, which facilitates smooth and efficient transactions for international buyers.
This pivotal rollout also positions Ghana to fulfil broader international obligations, including compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation and commitments under various global climate change frameworks.
Additionally, it affirms Ghana’s preparedness to supply FLEGT-licensed timber to the EU, eliminating additional due diligence for buyers and enhancing Ghana’s status as a frontrunner in sustainable forest governance.
