Ghana, UK discuss progress on forest governance and sustainable timber trade

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, has held bilateral talks with the United Kingdom's Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Mary Creagh, on strengthening cooperation in forest governance and sustainable timber trade.

The meeting took place at Kew Gardens in London on June 23, 2026, on the sidelines of the London Climate Action Week (LCAW).

Discussions centred on the implementation of the Ghana-UK Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), with both countries reviewing progress made under the framework and exploring the next steps to enhance collaboration.

The two ministers examined measures aimed at promoting legality, transparency and sustainability within Ghana's timber supply chain, while reaffirming their commitment to responsible forest management and climate action.

According to officials, the engagement provided an opportunity to assess achievements under the VPA process and identify areas for deeper cooperation to support sustainable timber production and trade.

The meeting forms part of Ghana's broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships on forest governance, climate-related trade and the sustainable management of forest resources.

Ghana and the United Kingdom have maintained a longstanding partnership under the VPA framework, which seeks to ensure that timber exported to international markets is legally sourced while supporting improved forest governance and environmental sustainability.