Business

Ghana risks losing EU timber export licence – Parliament yet to ratify protocols

Published

2 months ago

April 8, 2025

Beginning June 15, this year, all timber products that will be exported from Ghana to the European Union (EU) market must conform to the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence requirement.

Although the move would make Ghana the first African country and the second in the world to meet the requirement, the opportunity risks fizzling out due to Parliament’s failure to ratify the timber rights before rising last month.

If the country fails to ratify the timber rights, all timber products leaving the country cannot enter the EU, the country’s largest market for wood and wood products.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, told the Daily Graphic that apart from being on the brink of making history, that milestone would help to eliminate illegal logging and ensure the sustainable management of the country’s forest resources.

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He, however, said that for Ghana to achieve that goal, Parliament needed to ratify some timber rights as a matter of urgency.

“Every timber right is a contract that is signed between the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and ratified by Parliament. Parliament has that last step to take for us,” he said.

He said some of the timber rights had been ratified while others still needed to complete the ratification process, “and we are waiting for that due process to be completed.”

“If we meet this deadline, it would mean a lot to Ghana because we are announcing our credential as a country that respects the laws of the environment; we will be sending a signal to the international community that we are harvesting and trading timber from our forest under strict regulations; and it is a signal to whoever wants to invest in the country’s forest that Ghana plays by the books,” he said.

Again, he said meeting the June 15 deadline would send a signal to the EU market that Ghana was the first country in Africa to fulfill the FLEGT licence requirement, “and this is good reputation for us.”

Context

Also known as the timber legality licence, FLEGT licence is a document issued by timber-producing countries that have ratified a voluntary partnership agreement (VPA) with the EU.

The FLEGT confirms that shipment of timber or timber products has been legally produced in accordance with the relevant laws of the country of harvest. It also ensures that timber exported to the EU by partner countries is harvested legally, thereby promoting sustainable forest management.

While the FLEGT licence eliminates the risk of trading in illegal timber products for EU traders, its added advantage is that traders in FLEGT-licenced timber products do not need to undertake further due diligence, which can be time-consuming and costly.

For partner countries, the advantage is that FLEGT-licenced timber products are considered under the EU Timber Regulation, making it easy to access EU markets. It also ensures that partner countries adopt environmentally sound practices to source and harvest timber in a sustainable manner.

On November 6, 2024, Ghana signed an agreement with the EU, setting June 30, this year, for the commencement of FLEGT licence

The deal was unveiled at the 12th session of the Ghana-EU Joint Monitoring Review Mechanism of the VPA in Accra, marking a significant milestone in the sustainable management of the country’s timber resources.

President’s assurance

In his address to launch the Tree for Life initiative on Friday, March 21, this year, President John Dramani Mahama gave a firm assurance that the government was committed to ensuring that all was set for the country to begin exporting FLEGT-licenced timber by June 2025.

The President said the FLEGT initiative was crucial as it would ensure that only sustainably sourced timber was exported to the EU, helping to combat illegal logging and promoting sustainable forest management.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals – a commitment by countries to limit average global temperatures to below two degree Celsius. “As we approach the 2030 deadline, we must accelerate our efforts to meet climate and biodiversity targets,” he added.

Preparedness

Dr Brown said the assurance by the President was refreshing because over the years, the Forestry Commission had put in place all the technical systems for the effective rollout of the FLEGT licence.

“We have the law in place; the institutions are in place and the division that will issue the FLEGT licence has been sensitised and oriented to be able to do so.

There is a new department in the Forestry Commission that has the sole purpose of making sure that there is critical auditing of material going to the EU market.

A VPA governance consultant to the Forestry Commission, Chris Beeko, said it was nostalgic that almost 16 years after Ghana ratified the agreement, the country was just a step away from fulfilling the FLEGT licence requirements.

He said it was important for the last hurdle to be cleared by Parliament by ratifying the timber rights.

“Once a country says it is ready to trade in timber under FLEGT licence on the agreed date, the EU, which is the other partner, will inform its constituents and their authorities.

They will log that date in their system to indicate that from that date, all timber coming into their jurisdiction will be scrutinised and accepted under FLEGT licence. If that date comes, every consignment going to the EU must have a FLEGT licence,” he said.

He added that it was important for Ghana to complete the ratification of timber rights as a matter of urgency because if any consignment of timber entered the EU market after the deadline without a FLEGT licence, a different method would be used to interrogate it.

“This will put that consignment in a tight situation because it might be more difficult for entry into the system,” he said.

Source: Graphic Online

Business

Fuel Prices Set to Drop from June 16 After Levy Suspension

Published

7 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Sunshynbaby

Ghanaians can expect a drop in fuel prices starting Monday, June 16, 2025, following the government’s decision to suspend the proposed GH¢1.0 Energy Sector Levy. This comes as a relief to consumers and marks the seventh consecutive price reduction since mid-February.

The latest Pricing Outlook Report from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) indicates that the postponement of the levy is a key factor driving the anticipated price cuts.

Projected Prices at the Pump

According to data sourced from oil marketing firms and obtained by Joy Business, the new price of petrol is expected to be around GH¢11.77 per litre — representing a drop between 1.1% and 2.25% from prices recorded on June 1.

Diesel prices are set for a more significant decrease, falling by as much as 4.3% to about GH¢12.13 per litre. Likewise, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will see a 3.2% dip, bringing the price per kilogram to GH¢13.30.

Why Are Prices Falling?

The Chamber attributes the downward trend primarily to the Ghana cedi’s continued appreciation against the US dollar. This currency strength has offset the impact of rising global oil prices, which surged amid renewed conflict in the Middle East.

Despite crude oil prices climbing to around $75 per barrel due to Israel’s military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Ghanaian fuel prices remain stable — for now. The situation, however, remains volatile.

Warning Signs for July

Officials at COMAC caution that if global oil prices continue to climb, fuel prices in Ghana could begin to rise again starting July 1, 2025.

Recent escalations in the Middle East have already caused oil prices to rise sharply, with Brent crude jumping 4.41% from $65.35 to $68.23 per barrel. These tensions have also prompted the United States to partially evacuate its embassy in Iraq, adding to global uncertainty.

As a result, international benchmark prices for petrol and diesel have risen by 1.03% and 3.94% respectively. In contrast, LPG prices dropped by 1.79%.

Impact of the Suspended Levy

COMAC’s projections suggest that had the government gone ahead with the additional GH¢1.0 Energy Sector Levy, consumers would have faced significant price hikes. Petrol would have surged by 9.1% per litre and diesel by 8.25%. LPG would have still seen a modest 2.29% decline, as it was not included in the levy’s scope.

The current suspension offers temporary relief, but stakeholders warn that sustained global instability may force a reversal of the current trend in the coming weeks.

Business

PHOTOS: Otumfuo Urges Government to Cut Food Imports, Revive Interest in Farming

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2025

Sunshynbaby

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed deep concern over Ghana’s continued dependence on imported food items that can be cultivated locally.

He urged the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, to take bold steps to significantly reduce food imports and prioritize the development of local agriculture.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister and his delegation at the Manhyia Palace on Friday, June 13, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the need for urgent interventions to rekindle interest in farming, particularly among the youth.

The Asantehene recommended a possible revival of the historic “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative from the Acheampong era, should the government deem it necessary to revitalize the agricultural sector.

“It’s disheartening that we are still importing basic produce like tomatoes and onions. Work hard to halt or at least minimize food imports so we can produce more locally. I’ll be monitoring closely—make sure farmers get irrigation support,” he stressed.

Otumfuo also called on chiefs and traditional leaders across the country to contribute to national development by making land available for agricultural use, suggesting such lands could be offered as equity in farming ventures to encourage investment and productivity.

Business

TECNO Named Official Global Partner for CAF AFCON 2025 and 2027

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2025

Sunshynbaby

As excitement builds for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced TECNO, the AI-powered technology brand and subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, as the Official Global Partner for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, as well as the 2027 edition, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

This strategic partnership reflects TECNO’s vision of empowering young Africans through the intersection of technology and sports. With its brand philosophy, “Stop at Nothing,” TECNO aims to inspire and equip the next generation across the continent to pursue their dreams and reach new heights.

The announcement comes on the heels of TECNO’s successful collaboration with CAF during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, where the brand served as the exclusive smartphone sponsor. That partnership delivered record-breaking engagement and deepened TECNO’s investment in African football, laying the foundation for this renewed alliance.

CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba, made the announcement in Nairobi, Kenya, stating:

“The growing success of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has led to several high-impact sponsorships. TECNO’s continued support will play a vital role in helping Africa’s biggest sporting event expand its reach and influence. On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, we express our sincere gratitude to TECNO for investing in the future of African football.”

Benjamin Jiang, Vice President of Transsion Holdings, also expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership:

“This collaboration is a reflection of the trust and shared success we’ve built with CAF. In our previous engagement, we witnessed how football sparked passion and how AI-powered technology connected and empowered millions across Africa.”

He continued:

“This partnership goes far beyond the game. It represents a shared ambition—a platform for young Africans to thrive, driven by innovation and progress. It underscores our commitment to using AI-driven solutions to shape a brighter future for the continent.”

As part of its pan-African commitment, TECNO is also continuing its “Dream Field Renovation” campaign, a community initiative launched with CAF in 2024. The project aims to renovate 100 football fields in underserved communities across Africa by 2028, promoting healthy living, youth engagement, and access to quality sports infrastructure.

About TECNO
TECNO is a global technology brand powered by artificial intelligence, operating in over 70 markets across five continents. The company is dedicated to transforming digital experiences in emerging markets through a bold blend of cutting-edge technology and contemporary design.

TECNO’s product ecosystem includes AI-enabled smartphones, wearables, laptops, tablets, gaming devices, the proprietary HiOS operating system, and smart home solutions. Guided by its brand ethos, “Stop at Nothing,” TECNO is committed to empowering forward-thinking individuals to unlock their potential and pursue a brighter future.