In a significant development for Ghana’s forestry sector, Parliament has ratified eleven Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs) for the exploitation of timber resources.
This decision, made during the parliamentary session aligns with Article 268(1) of the Constitution and Section 9 of the Timber Resources Management Act, 1997 (Act 547).
These eleven TUCs are part of the first batch of nineteen TUCs submitted to Parliament for ratification, marking a crucial step towards Ghana’s issuance of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Licenses for timber export to the European market.
“This will make Ghana the first country in Africa, and the second in the world, after Indonesia, to issue a FLEGT License for timber and timber products.”
The Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources
The ratification of these TUCs signifies a substantial advancement in Ghana’s legal timber trade, meeting the European Union’s stringent requirements. This move completes the process for granting timber rights and underscores the government’s commitment to the legal and sustainable management of the nation’s forest resources.
By adhering to the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU, Ghana is poised to issue FLEGT Licenses, which is pivotal in combating deforestation and forest degradation. This step not only enhances environmental governance but also contributes significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources expressed gratitude to Parliament for its swift action in ratifying these TUCs.
“We are confident that Parliament will expedite action on the remaining TUCs awaiting ratification. We also extend our thanks to all partners who played a role in facilitating this process,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources further emphasized the government’s dedication to transparent, sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources.
Boosting Legal Timber Trade and Sustainability
The process leading to this ratification began on March 31, 2022, when the Cabinet, during its 26th meeting, approved the conversion of 156 timber concessions and permits into TUCs as stipulated by section 19 of Act 547. This approval required the TUCs to be presented before Parliament for ratification.
According to the Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources, Act 547, which has been in effect since March 18, 1998, mandates that timber harvesting can only occur under a TUC. Before this Act, timber rights were granted through concessions, leases, and permits under the Concessions Act, 1962 (Act 124).
“The move to issue FLEGT Licenses is expected to enhance Ghana’s export potential, providing a boost to the economy while ensuring that timber extraction is done responsibly and sustainably.
“This ratification sets a precedent for other African nations, highlighting the importance of legal frameworks in natural resource management.”
The Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources
The transition to TUCs represents a major policy shift aimed at creating a competitive system for allocating timber resources.
“Under section 19 of Act 547, all timber rights existing before the Act were to remain valid for only six months, necessitating the holders to apply for TUCs within that period. However, nearly 25 years passed without these concessions and leases being converted into TUCs.”
The Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources
This development not only showcases Ghana’s progress in sustainable forestry practices but also sets a precedent for other African nations aiming to enhance their environmental governance and trade compliance. As Ghana moves forward with issuing FLEGT Licenses, it reaffirms its position as a leader in responsible resource management and international cooperation.
