Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has pledged to further strengthen Ghana’s collaboration with the European Union (EU), with a focus on sustainable forest management.

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During a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, on April 25, the Minister announced that Ghana is preparing to issue its first-ever Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) License by June 30. Achieving this would make Ghana the first in Africa and the second globally to reach this benchmark.

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Highlighting the deep trade relations between Ghana and the EU, Mr. Buah described the Union as a vital economic partner, contributing approximately 14% of Ghana’s trade in 2022.

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Reflecting on Ghana’s progress under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), signed into law in 2009, the Minister noted that the country has made remarkable strides in enhancing forest governance.

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“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.

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Mr. Buah also highlighted future areas of cooperation, including enhancing logistics, building technical expertise, and investing in technologies like the Wood Tracking System (WTS) and the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS). He urged the EU to support Ghana’s efforts in large-scale plantation development and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.

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Beyond forestry, the Minister appealed for EU backing in combating illegal mining, reclaiming degraded lands, restoring rivers, and modernizing the timber sector.

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He also called for climate financing to drive sustainable forest management.

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The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude for the EU’s consistent support and voiced his hope for an even stronger partnership in the years to come.

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