Forestry Commission engages industry players ahead of timber licensing regime

The Forestry Commission held a meeting with key industry stakeholders. This aims to improve the legality and sustainability of Ghana’s timber sector.

The forum prepared stakeholders for trading timber under the FLEGT licence. This licence will start on 30 June 2025.

The FLEGT licensing scheme comes from Ghana’s Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU. It ensures that all timber exports meet strict legality standards.

Discussions focused on how to operate the FLEGT licensing system. They also covered compliance procedures and opportunities for the timber industry.

Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown, Executive Secretary of the Forestry Commission, spoke at the forum. He noted that international partners are impressed with Ghana's licensing efforts.

He highlighted how digital systems help manage forest resources better. These systems provide quick access to data about timber harvesting.

“With a simple click, we can see harvested volumes and locations,” he explained. This has improved regulation in the sector significantly.

Mr. Alexandra Dadzie, President of the Ghana Timber Association, shared his hopes for improvements. He wants concerns addressed before the licensing regime rolls out in June.

“Our issues involve forming committees to address our complaints effectively,” he said. He also mentioned that some laws lack clarity, especially regarding complaint organizations.

He pointed out delays in communication after resolutions are reached by these organizations. The report must go to the Minister before informing complainants, causing hold-ups.

Dadzie stated that the President requested quicker processing of complaints by the Timber Validation Committee before sending them to the Minister.