Deforestation and Illegal Harvesting: Parliament urged to fast-track ratification of 148 Timber Utilisation Contracts

Parliament is currently in the process of ratifying 148 Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs) in an effort to combat deforestation and illegal timber harvesting. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has urged the legislature to expedite the ratification process to further control deforestation.

Mr. Jinapor made these statements while addressing lawmakers on Tuesday regarding the conversion of timber rights into timber utilization contracts, as mandated by the Timber Resources Management and Legality Regulations, 2017 (L.I 2254). According to him, 156 concessions and leases were converted into TUCs based on the recommendations of the Forestry Commission and the regulations stipulated in Act 547 and L.I 2254.

On March 31, 2022, the Cabinet approved the submission of these TUCs to Parliament. However, some of the TUCs had expired by the time they were presented to the Cabinet. As a result, a total of 148 converted TUCs have been laid before Parliament for consideration and ratification, in accordance with Article 268 of the national constitution and Section 9 of Act 547.

The conversion of timber rights to TUCs is a significant policy reform in the forestry sector, aiming to introduce a competitive system for the allocation of timber resources. The minister emphasized that this reform has led to a review of the permitting regime for granting timber rights and has the potential to curb the trade in illegal timber both domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, the conversion of timber rights to TUCs will enable the country to generate revenue through the payment of timber rights fees and other statutory charges imposed on contract holders. Additionally, if ratified by Parliament, it will fulfill Ghana’s obligations under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union (EU) to issue Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, covering all timber exports to the European Union market.

The minister appealed to the Parliament to expedite the ratification process, as it will provide further support in curbing deforestation and forest degradation caused by illegal timber harvesting.

“If ratified by Parliament, it will put Ghana on track in discharging her obligation under the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union(EU) to issue Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT)Licenses to cover all timber exports to the European Union Market.

Let me use this opportunity to, humbly, call on this august House, to expedite work on the ratification process, as it will further support our efforts at curbing deforestation and forest degradation arising from illegal harvesting of timber” he said.

In a related development, the Minister disclosed that GH₵221,853,276.60 of stumpage fees have been collected between 2017 and 2022. Stumpage fees are royalties paid by holders of timber utilization contracts for the harvest of timber. These fees contribute to the cost of forest management and timber regulation while providing a return to the landowner, as determined by the Minister in consultation with the Administrator of Stool Lands.

Overall, the ratification of the TUCs and the collection of stumpage fees are crucial steps in Ghana’s efforts to combat deforestation, promote sustainable forestry practices, and regulate the timber industry.

Source:norvanreports