Ghana, UK Sign New MoU to Strengthen Forest Governance and Sustainable Trade
The Forestry Commission has strengthened its leadership in sustainable forest governance following the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom.
The agreement represents a major step in deepening bilateral cooperation on forest legality, climate resilience and responsible forest management, while reaffirming the Forestry Commission’s central role in advancing reforms that protect forest resources, promote sustainable trade and support livelihoods.
The signing ceremony brought together the leadership of the Forestry Commission, officials from the UK Government, private sector actors, civil society organisations and development partners, highlighting the shared commitment of both countries to safeguarding forests and promoting responsible forest-based trade.
Delivering a welcome address, the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, underscored the more than two decades-long partnership between Ghana and the United Kingdom in forest law enforcement, governance and trade.
He noted that sustained UK support—particularly in systems development, policy and legal reforms, as well as private sector and civil society engagement—had been critical to Ghana’s success as 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 further highlighted the vital 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 is expected to strengthen governance and enforcement, and advance sustainable financing mechanisms, including the exploration of payments for ecosystem services.
