As part of steps toward ensuring Ghana’s readiness for the issuance of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license, the Timber Validation Department (TVD) of the Forestry Commission (FC) organized a high-level strategic orientation for the Executive Management Team (EMT) on July 30, 2025. The orientation focused on Ghana’s FLEGT-VPA (Voluntary Partnership Agreement) implementation, specifically on readiness, verification mechanisms, and post-licensing strategies.
Dr. Richard Gyimah, Acting Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the Acting Chief Executive, Dr. Hugh C.A. Brown. He emphasized that the session was designed to deepen the EMT’s understanding of the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS) and to engage management in reflecting on the long-term sustainability of legal timber trade post-licensing. Dr. Gyimah added that critical presentations would be made by TIDD, TVD, and other relevant agencies to ensure a holistic view of the licensing journey. He also acknowledged the presence of Mr. Chris Beeko, a long-time technical expert and former Director of TVD, whose consultancy continues to support the FC in achieving this milestone.
Mr. Boakye Acheampong, Director of TVD, expressed his appreciation to Dr. Brown and the EMT for their unwavering support toward reaching the FLEGT licensing stage. Offering an overview of the FLEGT-VPA journey, Mr. Acheampong explained that the bilateral agreement between Ghana and the European Union, initiated in 2006/2007, was conceived to combat deforestation and forest degradation by ensuring that timber exports originate from legal and sustainably managed sources. He highlighted critical developments over the years including the creation of the GhLAS, the Ghana Wood Tracking and Decision Support System (GWT-DSS), alignment of FLEGT policies, digitization, ICT infrastructure enhancements, and key logistical procurements. “We still need your continued support for post-FLEGT governance, monitoring, and sustainability,” he urged.
Mr. Bright Owusu Sekyere, Manager, Systems and Data Reconciliation at TVD, provided an in-depth presentation on the GWT-DSS. He explained that the system, which integrates 21 legacy databases from different divisions, now serves as a robust decision-support platform. It supports transparency and accountability across the timber value chain, from timber rights allocation and harvesting to transportation, export, and trade. Mr. Sekyere encouraged the EMT to actively engage with the GWT-DSS to ensure data integrity, proper integration, and effective oversight.
In his presentation, Mr. Chris Beeko, FLEGT Consultant, FC, stressed that departmental collaboration and EMT engagement are crucial to safeguarding the system’s integrity. He emphasized the importance of regular log-ins by management to prevent system failures (red flags) that could damage Ghana’s international credibility. He indicated that the cloud-based system is robust but the contributions of senior managers’ supervision and sanctions will make it wholistic.
A joint session by Dr. Gyimah, Mr. Ophilious Lambog (Grading and Inspection Manager, TIDD), Mr. Eric Abbeyquaye (Operations Manager, TIDD) and Mr. Samuel Mawuli Doe (Research and Statistics Manager) outlined the step-by-step procedure for license issuance. Dr. Gyimah revealed that five timber companies: Samartex Timber and Plywood Co. Ltd., Logs and Lumber Ltd., John Bitar Co. Ltd., Ibrahim and Sons Ltd., and West Coast Wooden Products Ghana Ltd. have been selected for shipment trials to preemptively address operational bottlenecks ahead of the August deadline. Mr. Lambog walked the EMT through the ten-step licensing process, while Mr. Doe showcased the features and security protocols of the official FLEGT license document.
Mrs. Peace Adiase, Manager, FLEGT Complaints at TVD, led a session on grievance resolution, case management, and transparency. She introduced the grievance protocol and explained the use of a standard complainant form designed to ensure fair and efficient handling of disputes.
Mrs. Joyce Ofori Kwafo, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Media Relations (CAMR), unveiled a comprehensive communication strategy designed to raise stakeholder awareness of the FLEGT license. She highlighted the environmental stewardship Ghana projects through the license and detailed past stakeholder engagements in Kumasi, Sunyani, Sefwi Wiawso, Takoradi, and Accra. She noted that upcoming engagements will involve the FC Board, media houses, CSOs, NGOs, forest-fringe communities, and other government agencies. Mrs. Kwafo also elaborated on planned pre-launch, launch, and post-launch activities, including media outreach and the production of branded souvenirs.
In closing, Dr. Gyimah urged the EMT to remain proactive: “As senior managers, let us do our best, log into the system, advise junior officers, and provide the supervisory leadership required.” He further encouraged the TVD to engage in technical backstopping with various directors to assess and build on the day’s observations.
The orientation marked a key moment in Ghana’s journey towards full FLEGT license issuance and reinforced the pivotal role of the EMT in leading the Forestry Commission into a new era of legal and sustainable timber trade.
