Ghana and the European Union are building on a longstanding partnership to promote legal timber trade, sustainable forest management and new opportunities for trade and investment.
As the first African country and the second globally to issue the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences, Ghana has reached an important milestone in demonstrating its commitment to legal timber production, improved traceability and sustainable forest management. This achievement reflects deep cooperation between Ghana and the EU and provides a strong basis for deeper commercial partnerships and investment opportunities.
Building on this partnership, the EU is supporting Ghana’s engagement with the European timber market. At the invitation of the European Union, a six-member high-level Ghanaian delegation led by Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, will travel to Belgium from 2-7 November 2026. The mission is supported through the EU FLEGT VPA Programme and contributes to the wider EU-Ghana partnership and Global Gateway Investment Agenda.
The mission aims to turn Ghana’s progress in FLEGT licensing into stronger market visibility and new opportunities for cooperation between Ghanaian and European stakeholders. The delegation will:

  • Engage with the European institutions and timber importers
  • Meet timber-sector federations, importers and professional networks
  • Visit the Port of Antwerp and gain insights into EU timber trade and
  • Explore opportunities for future Ghana-EU cooperation.
    The highlight of the mission will be the International Hardwood Conference (IHC) from 5-6 November 2026 in Antwerp.
    Join Ghana’s presentation at the IHC
    6 November | 13:30-13:40
    Dr Richard Gyimah, Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, will present:
    “Leveraging Ghana’s FLEGT Licensing System for Sustainable Forest Management and a Thriving Timber Industry”
    Where: Lindner Hotel, Antwerp, Belgium
    When: 5 – 6 November 2026
    Conference details: More about the IHC
    We look forward to connecting with the international hardwood community in Antwerp!

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