Photo he Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, and the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H. E. Christian Rogg
The Forestry Commission has reinforced its standing in sustainable forest governance following the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom, deepening bilateral cooperation on forest legality, climate resilience and responsible forest management.
The agreement marks a significant moment in a partnership that has shaped Ghana’s forestry reforms for more than two decades, and reaffirms the Forestry Commission’s central role in driving policies that protect forest resources while supporting legal trade and community livelihoods.
The signing ceremony brought together officials of the Forestry Commission, representatives of the UK Government, private sector actors, civil society organisations and development partners, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening forest governance and promoting sustainable forest-based trade.
In his welcome address, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, traced the roots of the Ghana–UK partnership to over 20 years of collaboration in forest law enforcement, governance and trade. He said sustained UK support, particularly in systems development, policy and legal reforms, and engagement with industry and civil society, had been critical to Ghana’s achievement as the first African country and the second globally to issue Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade licences for timber exports.
Dr Brown underscored the importance of forests to climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, water protection and rural livelihoods, while acknowledging the mounting threats posed by illegal mining and forest degradation. He said the renewed partnership under the MoU would strengthen governance and enforcement and open new pathways for sustainable forest financing, including the exploration of payments for ecosystem services.
The private sector also welcomed the agreement, with the Managing Director of Samartex Company Limited and member of the Forestry Commission Board, Dr Richard Dua Nsenkyire, describing the MoU as a boost to industry confidence. He credited UK technical and financial support for the successful rollout of electronic timber tracking and verification systems, which have improved transparency and enabled Ghanaian timber to meet international market standards. The issuance of FLEGT licences, he said, was a defining milestone for the sector and could unlock expanded access to the UK and other global markets.
Civil society perspectives were highlighted by Mr Mustapha Seidu, Director of Nature and Development Foundation, who commended both governments for supporting industry compliance, independent monitoring and community participation. He noted that UK support had strengthened the ability of civil society organisations to play an oversight role in forest governance and ensure accountability at the community level. According to him, the MoU provides a solid framework for sustained collaboration and transparency.
Speaking on behalf of the UK, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H. E. Christian Rogg, described the agreement as a major step in an evolving partnership anchored in shared environmental and climate goals. 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 legally produced Ghanaian timber. The High Commissioner also acknowledged the growing pressures from illegal mining and forest degradation and pledged continued UK support to strengthen governance, enforcement and community-centred forest management.
The formal signing of the MoU was undertaken by Dr Hugh C. A. Brown on behalf of the Government of Ghana and H. E. Christian Rogg for the United Kingdom, signalling the start of a new phase of cooperation focused on forest protection, institutional strengthening and sustainable livelihoods.
Closing the ceremony, the Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, Mr Isaac Essien, reflected on the long history of Ghana–UK cooperation in building the country’s forestry institutions and legislative framework. He said the renewed partnership comes at a critical moment of policy reform and renewed commitment to sustainable forest management, and pledged the Commission’s resolve to implement the objectives of the MoU to the benefit of present and future generations.
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