Ghana is in the final stages of implementing the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade Action Plan (FLEGT), which will guarantee that timber on domestic markets is legally obtained, processed and marketed to the European Union (EU).
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, disclosed this when the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Irchad Razaaly paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday to continue discussions on Ghana’s present stage of licensing timber for sale to European markets.
He lauded the EU for its extraordinary dedication and participation in the voluntary cooperation with Ghana, which is aimed at maintaining the ecosystem of tropical forest.
The Minister assured the delegation that he would do everything possible to ensure that the licenses are signed.
On his part, H.E Ichard Razaaly stated that European Union has pledged its support to countries that adopt sustainable methods in exporting their timber resources.
He commended the government’s Green Ghana Project and led his team to plant 500 tree seedlings at Apapam Community in the Atewa Forest enclave of the Eastern Region, as part of efforts to help restore Ghana’s vegetative cover.
FLEGT licenses are documents issued by nations that have accepted the EU’s Voluntary Partnership Agreement. The permits confirm that the timber or timber products fully comply with the applicable regulations of the exporting nation.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
