The Forestry Commission (FC) has collaborated with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under the bilateral cooperation project “Support to the Implementation of the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade – Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) to share their experiences with the Vietnam Forestry Administration on preparations towards the issuance of FLEGT-VPA license on June 30.
The exchange program sought to provide opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in promoting sustainable and legal timber trade, platform to share lessons learned from the implementation of the FLEGT-VPA as well as tackle emerging issues in the sector including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
FLEGT-VPA is a legally binding agreement between the European Union (EU) and a timber-exporting country outside the EU. It seeks to ensure that timber and timber products exported to the EU are legal and originate from sustainably managed forests.
Ghana and the European Union concluded the first Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) in November 2009. This agreement followed a structured negotiation process conducted between March 2007 and September 2008. The VPA reflects the mutual commitment of both parties to eliminating illegal logging and curbing the trade in illegally sourced timber through a legally binding framework for sustainable and transparent forest management
In the case of Vietnam and the European Union (EU), negotiations commenced on their FLEGT-VPA in November 2011, concluding the process in 2017. The agreement officially entered into force on June 1, 2019. This legally binding trade agreement is designed to strengthen forest governance and promote the trade of verified legal timber products, particularly those exported from Vietnam to the EU market.
On behalf of the Chief Executive of FC, Dr. Hugh Brown, the Executive Director of the Wildlife Division, Dr. Joseph Boakye Esq., delivered the opening remarks. He expressed his delight to kick start the 6-day study tour (May 12- May 17 2025) by the delegation from Vietnam to Ghana to learn about Ghana’s experience with the implementation of the Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS) and FLEGT VPA. He indicated that Vietnam is one of the major export destinations of Ghana’s timber and wood products and cited Teak, Wawa, Denya and Papao as the key timber species exported. He furthered that the programme sought to provide an opportunity for enhanced cooperation and trade in sustainable and legal timber trade. Central to the Ghana-EU VPA is the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS) which was developed to monitor, control and verify both the management and use of Ghana’s forest resources”, he stated. He emphasised that Ghana is ready to issue its first FLEGT License issuance on 30th June, 2025 and that Ghana and the EU are in a continuous state of communication towards their partnership in ensuring that the FLEGT License Issuance is seamless.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Thien, Vice Director, Vietnam Forestry Administration in delivering his remarks, conveyed the best wishes of the delegation to the representatives of Ghana’s Forestry Commission and other agenciaes. Recognising the robust relationship between Vietnam and Ghana, particularly in trade, he hammered that the study tour sought to bolster cooperation in forestry, with a focus on legal and sustainable timber trade. “Vietnam aims to learn from Ghana’s experience with the VPA/FLEGT agreement to enhance forest governance and trade practices”, he said.
Dr. Richard Gyimah, Acting Executive Director, Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) also gave a presentation on the overview of Ghana’s forest sector. He mentioned that Ghana’s forestry sector is ecologically diverse, with high-forest, savanna, and transition zones.” Forests are crucial for ecosystems, water sources, climate, and resources like timber and non-timber forest products”, he said. He continued that the sector contributes to Ghana’s GDP, provides employment (both formal and informal), and is vital for energy, especially through fuelwood. He added that, the sector includes landowners, logging and wood processing companies, and research institutions. Investment areas include ecological integrity management, promoting forest products industries, transparent governance, afforestation, eco-tourism, and sustainable financing.
Mr. Duong Dang Cong, an official from the Vietnam Forest Administration also gave a presentation on the overview of Vietnam’s Forest sector, explaining their classifications, forest governance and timber exports, and market. He further explained that Vietnam’s forestry sector is governed by the 2017 Forestry Law and related plans. He emphasised that the country experienced significant growth from 2021-2024 with a 4.7% annual increase in production value and record exports in 2024. “The sector aims to manage and protect existing forests, improve productivity, and promote sustainable practices, including eco-tourism and timber brand development, while investing in infrastructure and international cooperation.
Mr. Ophilious Lambog, Grading and Inspection Manager, TIDD, presented on the functionality of FLEGT licensing in Ghana. He explained the components of Ghana’s FLEGT system and how they are interconnected and also the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders. He mentioned that the Legality Assurance System (LAS) in Ghana ensures legal timber exports to the EU and compliance within the domestic market through a comprehensive framework. This system, based on Traceability and Verification & Validation, includes a Legality Definition, Supply Chain Control, Verification of Compliance, FLEGT Licensing, and Independent Monitoring. Key institutions such as FSD/RMSC, TIDD, and Timber Validation Department (TVD), along with the Timber Validation Committee and an Independent Monitor, play vital roles. Mr. Lambog furthered his presentation by mentioning that the LAS is underpinned by a strong legal and policy framework, including the Constitution, Forestry Commission Act, Timber Resources Management Act, L.I. 2254, Forest and Wildlife Policy, and Forest Plantation Development Fund Act, forming the foundation for FLEGT-VPA implementation.
Mr. Bright Sekyere, Manager, Systems and Data Reconciliation, TVD, gave a presentation on Timber Traceability in Ghanaian Implementing the FLEGT. He explained that TVD plays a critical role in upholding the legality of timber, conducting technical audits, and managing the Ghana Wood Tracking and Decision Support System (GWT-DSS). This involves thorough verification of compliance, data accuracy, and document evaluations. TVD addresses discrepancies, supports the TIDD in issuing FLEGT licenses, but there are challenges such as technological and cost barriers. These are mitigated through improved ICT, stakeholder training, and data integration. The Ghanaian experience highlights the importance of digital systems, clear roles, stakeholder engagement, and independent oversight to ensure trust and effectiveness in timber legality frameworks.
The study tour is expected to inform the next steps in Viet Nam’s efforts to address findings from its preliminary TLAS operational readiness assessment, initiate a full readiness evaluation, and promote deeper cooperation between the two countries. Anticipated outcomes include agreements between forestry administrations and industry associations to collaborate more closely in ensuring the legal and sustainable trade of timber products.