The Forestry Commission (FC) has reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable forest governance with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening collaboration on forest legality, climate resilience and responsible forest management.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two countries and reinforces the Forestry Commission’s central role in driving reforms to protect forest resources while promoting sustainable trade and livelihoods.
The signing ceremony brought together the leadership of the Forestry Commission, officials from the UK Government, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and development partners, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s forests and advancing responsible forest-based trade.
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C.A. Brown, highlighted the more than two decades of collaboration between Ghana and the United Kingdom in forest law enforcement, governance and trade. He noted that sustained UK support in systems development, policy and legal reforms, as well as engagement with the private sector and civil society, had been instrumental in Ghana becoming the first country in Africa and the second globally to issue Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences for timber exports to the European Union.
Dr Brown underscored the critical role of forests in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, water protection and livelihoods, while acknowledging the increasing threats posed by illegal mining and forest degradation. He therefore welcomed the renewed UK support under the MoU, which seeks to strengthen governance and enforcement and advance sustainable financing mechanisms, including the exploration of payments for ecosystem services.
Speaking on behalf of the timber industry, the Managing Director of Samartex Company Limited and member of the FC Board, Dr Richard Dua Nsenkyire, expressed appreciation to the Forestry Commission and the UK Government for their sustained engagement with the sector. He highlighted the importance of UK technical and financial support in the introduction of electronic timber tracking and verification systems, which have enhanced transparency and enabled Ghanaian timber to meet international market standards. He described the issuance of FLEGT licences as a major milestone and expressed optimism that the MoU would further expand market access, including to the UK market.
Mr Mustapha Seidu, Esq., Director of the Nature & Development Foundation, commended the Forestry Commission and the UK Government for their continued support to both industry and civil society. He emphasised the importance of capacity building for industry compliance, independent monitoring and community engagement, noting that UK support has enabled civil society organisations to play an effective oversight role and strengthen community participation in forest management.
In his remarks, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Christian Rogg, described the signing of the MoU as a significant step in the evolving partnership between the two countries. He noted that the agreement builds on more than a decade of cooperation and reflects a shared commitment to protecting forests for biodiversity, livelihoods and global climate objectives.
He congratulated Ghana on its leadership in achieving the FLEGT licensing milestone and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the Voluntary Partnership Agreement process and to expanding market recognition for Ghanaian timber.
A formal signing of the MoU followed, with Dr Hugh C.A. Brown signing on behalf of the Government of Ghana and H.E. Christian Rogg on behalf of the United Kingdom, ushering in a new phase of collaboration focused on healthier forests, stronger institutions and sustainable livelihoods.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the Chairman of the FC Board, Mr Isaac Essien, Esq., who reflected on the historical relationship between Ghana and the United Kingdom in developing the forestry sector.
He emphasised that the renewed partnership comes at a critical period of policy reform and reaffirmed the Forestry Commission’s commitment to implementing the objectives of the MoU to the benefit of present and future generations.
