By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has announced that Ghana has emerged as a continental leader in forest governance, becoming the first country in Africa to issue a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license.
The milestone, achieved in August 2025 according to the minister, places Ghana second globally after Indonesia and signals a major shift toward legally verified and sustainably sourced timber exports to the European market.
Addressing the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) in New York, he said the country is translating global forest commitments into concrete actions, with measurable progress in restoration, enforcement and industry regulation.
“Every timber product we now ship to Europe carries verifiable proof of legal and sustainable origin,” he told delegates.
He said government is pursuing the United Nations Global Forest Goals with strong political will, positioning Ghana among countries making tangible progress in protecting forest reserves and biodiversity.
Mr. Buah noted that the administration of John Dramani Mahama is prioritising nationwide forest restoration while strengthening systems to curb illegal logging and mining.
He explained that intensified enforcement operations are beginning to yield results, as authorities clamp down on activities that threaten forest resources and water bodies.
“We have also intensified enforcement against illegal logging and mining,” he said.
The minister added that reforms in the timber sector are improving transparency, accountability and international confidence in Ghana’s exports.
He stressed that the country is not only meeting international obligations but also safeguarding long-term environmental sustainability and economic value from its forest resources.
He further indicated that Ghana’s approach – combining policy reform, enforcement and stakeholder collaboration – is positioning the country as a model for sustainable forest management globally.
Mr. Buah said Ghana remains committed to working with international partners to protect forests, support livelihoods and secure the future of its natural resources.
The UN forum, held from May 11 to 15, 2026, reviewed progress on global forest targets and explored strategies to balance conservation with economic development.
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