Ghana Deepens Fight Against Illegal Logging and Galamsey with National Timber Monitoring Team

Ghana has taken a decisive step to strengthen forest protection and promote responsible natural resource management with the inauguration of the National Timber Monitoring Team. The initiative, led by the Minister for Lands and Natural

Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, is aimed at tightening oversight of timber activities across the country’s forest reserves at a time when illegal logging, galamsey operations, and widespread deforestation continue to pose serious threats.

At a formal ceremony, members of the committee were sworn in and reminded that their responsibilities go beyond routine administrative duties. Addressing the team, the Minister stressed that the oath they took must translate into real action on the ground.

“The oath you have taken is not merely symbolic but a solemn commitment to duty. Let this Committee not be a mere formality, but a beacon of good governance and accountability in our forestry sector,” he urged.

For many observers, the establishment of the National Timber Monitoring Team signals renewed political will to confront long-standing challenges in forest governance. Over the years, Ghana’s forest reserves have been increasingly encroached upon by illegal loggers and miners, leaving behind degraded landscapes, polluted water bodies, and communities struggling with the consequences.

The new team is mandated to oversee timber harvesting activities, ensure that operators comply with the law, and help close enforcement gaps that have allowed illegal practices to flourish. By working closely with the Forestry Commission, security agencies, and local authorities, the committee is expected to improve coordination and transparency in the sector.

One of the most important aspects of this initiative is its potential impact on galansey. While illegal mining is often discussed separately, its connection to forest destruction is undeniable. Forests are frequently cleared illegally to make way for mining sites, and in some cases, proceeds from illegal logging are used to finance

galamsey operations. By strengthening monitoring of timber activities, authorities hope to disrupt these links. and reduce access to forest reserves by illegal miners.

Deforestation remains a major environmental concern in Ghana. Environmental advocates warn that the continued loss of forest cover is contributing to erratic rainfall patterns, soil erosion, flooding, and declining agricultural yields. The monitoring team is expected to ensure that timber extraction follows approved guidelines and sustainable practices, helping to slow forest loss and protect sensitive ecosystems.

The Minister also linked the new initiative to Ghana’s growing reputation on the international stage. He highlighted the country’s recent achievement of issuing its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence for timber exports to the European Union.

Mr Buah described the milestone as a historic achievement, noting that Ghana is now the first country in Africa and only the second globally, after Indonesia, to receive the licence.

He described the step as “a bold statement that Ghana is committed to legality, transparency, and sustainability in the global timber trade.”

The FLEGT licence is expected to boost confidence in Ghana’s timber exports, open up international markets,
and create incentives for lawful and sustainable forest management. However, maintaining this status will
require strict enforcement and continuous monitoring roles the National Timber Monitoring Team is expected to
play.

Beyond economic considerations, the Minister emphasized the broader importance of forests to national identity and future generations.

“They are not only a source of economic value but also a legacy we owe to our children and grandchildren,” he said.

He assured the committee of the government’s full support, stressing that political backing, adequate resources, and institutional cooperation would be provided to enable the team to carry out its mandate effectively.

Land reclamation is another area where the new monitoring framework could make a difference. Large areas of land damaged by illegal logging and mining require rehabilitation through reforestation and soil restoration. Improved oversight can help prevent further degradation while supporting efforts to reclaim and restore affected lands.

Environmental groups have welcomed the initiative but remain cautious. Past interventions to tackle illegal logging and galamsey have sometimes been undermined by corruption, weak enforcement, and political interference. The Minister acknowledged these concerns and urged committee members to remain independent. courageous, and guided by the national interest.

The Chairman of the Committee, Frifi Buckman, gave assurances that members are fully aware of the responsibility placed on them. Speaking on behalf of the team, he pledged professionalism, impartiality, and integrity in the discharge of their duties,

“We will discharge our mandate with the highest levels of professionalism, impartiality, and unwavering commitment,” he said.

Mr Buckman also emphasized the critical role forests play in Ghana’s development, describing them as a vital source of livelihoods, foreign exchange earnings, and raw materials for local industries.

For ordinary Ghanaians, the success of the National Timber Monitoring Team could have far-reaching benefits. Cleaner rivers, healthier farmlands, and better-protected forest reserves would support farming, fishing, and rural livelihoods.

Stronger enforcement could also restore public confidence that environmental laws apply equally to all.

As the committee begins work, attention will focus on how effectively it translates policy into action. Ghanaians will be watching closely to see whether illegal loggers are held accountable, forest reserves are protected, and degraded lands are restored.

While challenges remain, the inauguration of the National Timber Monitoring Team represents a renewed commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s forests. If implemented with integrity and consistency, it could mark a turning point in the fight against deforestation, illegal logging, and galamsey helping preserve the country’s natural heritage for generations to come…