Ghana has become the first African country to issue a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Licence. This milestone confirms that its timber exports meet national and international standards for legality and transparency. The launch of Ghana’s FLEGT licensing system reflects extensive reform and coordination across government, civil society and the private sector. It shows Ghana’s commitment to stronger forest governance, fairer trade, and the sustainable use of its natural resources for the benefit of its people.
“When we started this journey, our ambition was greater than securing market access,” said Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, speaking at the launch of Ghana’s FLEGT licensing system in Accra. “It was about ensuring that the management of our forest resources delivers environmental, social and economic benefits to the country through sustainable forest management.”
The FLEGT Licence confirms that timber exported under Ghana’s Timber Legality Assurance System complies with Ghanaian law. It simplifies trade for verified exporters, provides assurance to buyers, and demonstrates how national systems can drive lasting reform and market credibility.
“Ghana’s achievement illustrates the value of consistent, nationally led reform and collaboration across sectors,” said Julia Falconer, Senior Forest Policy Advisor at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “It also highlights how credible, transparent systems can build trust and open new opportunities for sustainable trade.”
Ghana’s success shows the value of long-term cooperation between government, business and international partners. Since the early days of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement process, Ghana has worked with the United Kingdom and the European Union to strengthen governance and improve transparency.
David Hopkins, Chief Executive of Timber Development UK, said: “Ghana’s FLEGT licence shows real leadership in sustainable forestry management. It sets an example for others ahead of COP30 and gives UK importers confidence to source legal, sustainable timber from Ghana.”
By reaching this milestone, the country positions itself as a regional and global reference for legal and sustainable timber trade. The achievement reaffirms a national commitment to responsible forest management and transparent governance. This milestone is supported through the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme, funded by the UK Government, which partners with Ghana and other forest nations to strengthen governance and promote sustainable trade.
Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) is the flagship forest governance programme of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Working with partners from across governments, civil society, and business, FGMC aims to improve the stewardship of tropical forests in the Global South. Since 2011, the programme has been supporting dialogue on national and international rules, fostering trust between stakeholders, and helping strengthen the systems that make sustainable forest management possible, incentivised by market mechanisms and trade regulations.
