Ghana made history as the first African nation – and only the second country in the world after Indonesia – to issue a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) timber licence. This milestone marked the start of a new era of trusted, legally verified timber trade built on national accountability and strong governance. With the FLEGT licensing system officially launched on 15 August 2025, Ghana now began exporting Ghana Verified Timber, offering buyers clear proof that products meet strict legal and sustainability standards. This achievement reflects 16 years of coordinated reform across government, industry, civil society, and traditional authorities, supported by more than 350 trained operators who ensure legality throughout the entire supply chain.
The introduction of the FLEGT licence demonstrates what is possible when national systems are strengthened to deliver transparent, traceable, and responsible forest management. As highlighted by Dr. Hugh Brown, Ag. Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission and Co-Chair of the BMRC, the new system creates a fully accountable chain – from harvest to export – offering confidence to global markets and aligning Ghana with broader international obligations including the EU Deforestation Regulation and climate commitments. For the Broader Market Recognition Coalition (BMRC), Ghana’s achievement reinforces that transformational change is both possible and impactful, opening new opportunities for responsibly produced tropical timber and setting a powerful precedent for sustainable forest governance worldwide.