The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah -Kofi Buah, on Friday, September 12, 2025, officially inaugurated the new Timber Validation Committee (TVC) at a brief but solemn ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Accra. This is the third of such, since the establishment of the maiden TVC in 2016.
The 11-member committee, mandated under L.I. 2254 (Regulation 32), will oversee the verification and validation of timber license applications while ensuring the effective resolution of industry complaints. Members of the Committee were duly introduced and formally sworn in as they took the Official Oath, the Oath of Allegiance, and the Oath of Secrecy, symbolising their readiness to serve with diligence and integrity.
In his inaugural address, Hon. Buah underscored the critical role of the TVC in maintaining credibility, transparency, and integrity within Ghana’s timber industry. He recalled the significant reforms championed by government and partners, including the signing of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) and preparations for the issuance of the FLEGT license; geared towards strengthening legality assurance and promoting sustainable forestry, a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy.
“The oath you have taken is not just a formality but a solemn pledge to safeguard the Ghana Timber Legality Assurance System (GhLAS),” the Minister declared. “Your work will ensure that timber from Ghana, seen anywhere in the world, carries the seal of legality and integrity,” he added.
He further outlined the Committee’s mandate, which includes supervising the licensing of timber for both domestic and international markets, ensuring compliance with the legal and regulatory frameworks, and making key recommendations regarding the implementation of the FLEGT license expected to accompany all wood exports to the European Union. “The credibility of the TVC is critical for both the integrity of our legality system and the confidence of international markets. The local industry, too, will thrive on your fairness, transparency, and efficiency,” he added.
Hon. Buah urged members to carry out their duties with impartiality and professionalism, assuring them of government’s unwavering support and resources. “Always make the national interest your compass,” he advised. “Together, we can protect our forests, strengthen our timber trade, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he ended.
On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Hon. Philip Fiifi Buckman, expressed profound gratitude to the Minister and the Government for the trust reposed in them. He pledged the Committee’s full commitment to its mandate: “We accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty to our country and future generations. We assure all stakeholders; including Government, industry players, civil society, and development partners, that we will execute our mandate with professionalism, impartiality, and total dedication,” he said.
He further appealed for the continued support of all stakeholders to enable the Committee deliver effectively, promising that the TVC would remain steadfast in safeguarding Ghana’s forest resources and promoting sustainable trade practices.
The inauguration of the TVC affirms the Forestry Commission and the Government’s collective resolve to ensure that Ghana’s timber sector stands as a model of legality, accountability, and sustainability on the global stage
