Ghana and the United Kingdom have renewed their commitment to strengthening forest governance and promoting legal, sustainable timber trade following high-level bilateral talks held in London during the 2026 London Climate Action Week.

The meeting brought together Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, and the United Kingdom’s Minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Mary Creagh, as both countries reviewed progress under the Ghana–UK Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) and explored the next phase of cooperation.

Held at Kew Gardens on the margins of the international climate event, the discussions focused on advancing the implementation of the VPA, a key framework designed to ensure that timber exported from Ghana is legally sourced while strengthening transparency, accountability and sustainable forest management.

The bilateral engagement reflects Ghana’s continued efforts to consolidate its reputation as a responsible producer of legally verified timber products at a time when international markets are increasingly demanding sustainable and traceable supply chains.

During the meeting, both sides assessed the progress achieved under the VPA framework and discussed practical measures to deepen collaboration in forest governance, improve legality assurance systems and enhance sustainability across Ghana’s timber value chain.

The discussions also centred on maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s timber exports while supporting efforts to combat illegal logging, protect forest resources and promote climate-resilient natural resource management.

Officials noted that strengthening cooperation under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement would not only safeguard Ghana’s access to premium international timber markets but also reinforce investor confidence in the country’s forestry sector.

The engagement forms part of Ghana’s broader strategy to build stronger international partnerships that support sustainable forest management, climate action and responsible trade while contributing to global efforts to reduce deforestation and biodiversity loss.

As global environmental standards continue to tighten, government believes sustained collaboration with key development partners such as the United Kingdom will be critical to preserving Ghana’s forest resources, improving governance in the forestry sector and ensuring that economic development aligns with the country’s climate and sustainability commitments.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the London Climate Action Week, one of the world’s leading platforms for governments, businesses and development partners to discuss practical solutions to climate change and sustainable development.

Ghana and the United Kingdom plan stronger rules for the timber trade

Suggested for you

More Stories

Kumasi health officials fear growing danger of synthetic drug abuse

Heavy Rain Causes Serious Flooding in Vicolis and Amamorley Estates

Cancer Support Network Foundation Donates GHC100,000 to Ridge Hospital

Africa Plans to Change the Global Golf Tourism Market with New Convention

$4.5bn Fraud: Court to Decide on Using Emefiele's Statement for EFCC Trial

The Truth is Dangerous: Why Press Freedom is Still Important for Democracy

Discussion