Forest Watch Ghana (FWG), a coalition of over 40 civil society organizations working in the forestry sector, has raised alarm over the government’s lack of urgency in implementing a key legal framework meant to ensure sustainable timber trade. This framework, underpinned by the 2017 Timber Resources Management (Legality Licensing) Regulation, is a crucial part of Ghana’s commitment to the European Union (EU) under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA).
In a press conference, Forest Watch Ghana voiced concerns that the government’s delay in ratifying timber permits and leases puts Ghana at risk of losing access to the EU market for legal timber. They noted that, as of 2014, 148 permits needed ratification to comply with the laws on sustainable forest management. However, to date, only 11 of these permits have been ratified, leaving the rest in limbo.
While the coalition praised the efforts of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Forestry Commission for ratifying the 11 permits, they expressed disappointment in the overall progress. The civil society group emphasized that Ghana has missed several timelines for full implementation of its laws aimed at preventing illegal logging and ensuring the trade in legal timber.
They called on the government to expedite the ratification process and to develop a clear roadmap for implementing the laws governing sustainable forest management. Forest Watch Ghana also highlighted the growing threat of illegal logging, pointing to the rampant illegal mining (galamsey) already decimating the country’s forests. The coalition warned that inaction would not only harm Ghana’s forest reserves but also jeopardize the country’s timber trade with the EU, which demands strict compliance with legal and sustainable harvesting practices.
The coalition reiterated its willingness to work with the government to protect the nation’s forest resources, urging a swift resolution to ensure that illegal activities do not further degrade Ghana’s environmental and economic future.
