The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a Timber Validation Committee to enhance transparency, accountability, and credibility in Ghana’s timber industry.
The ceremony was held on Friday, September 12, at the Ministry’s conference room in Accra.
In his address, Mr. Buah said the committee would be central to safeguarding Ghana’s forests while ensuring that timber products meet both domestic and international standards.
“The oath you have taken is not merely symbolic but a solemn commitment to duty. Let this committee not be a mere formality, but a beacon of good governance and accountability in our forestry sector,” he charged.
The Minister highlighted Ghana’s recent achievement of issuing its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence for timber exports to the European Union—making the country the first in Africa and only the second globally, after Indonesia, to do so.
He described the milestone as “a bold statement that Ghana is committed to legality, transparency, and sustainability in the global timber trade.”
Underscoring the importance of preserving forests as a national heritage, Mr. Buah noted: “They are not only a source of economic value but also a legacy we owe to our children and grandchildren.” He pledged government’s full support to the committee in carrying out its mandate effectively.
Committee Chairman, Fiifi Buckman, expressed appreciation on behalf of members and assured stakeholders of their professionalism and integrity.
“We will discharge our mandate with the highest levels of professionalism, impartiality, and unwavering commitment,” he said, stressing the vital role of forests as a source of livelihoods, foreign exchange, and raw materials.
Source: Ernest Arhinful
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