Ghana’s Active Social Responsibility Agreements Rise to 447 Valued at GHS 4.52 Million
Forestry Commission reports significant financial commitments to forest-fringe communities, boosting local development and ensuring benefits from timber harvesting.
Dr. Nana Asare | StatsGH |
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These agreements ensure that communities affected by timber harvesting directly receive financial benefits from logging activities. The funds support local development projects and improve livelihoods in areas with timber operations. SRAs are financed through 5% of stumpage fees and remain the only direct financial benefit timber-affected communities collectively receive from logging.
This initiative highlights Ghana's commitment to equitable resource distribution and sustainable forestry. The increase in active SRAs aligns with broader national efforts to formalize benefits for communities in resource-rich areas. It builds on previous attempts to ensure local communities gain from natural resource exploitation.
Bright Owusu Sekyere, Manager of Systems and Data Reconciliation at the Timber Validation Department, disclosed these figures. He made the announcement during the launch of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)-Forestry Commission SRA Project. Mr. Sekyere emphasized the Forestry Commission's role in ensuring timber companies sign SRAs before receiving operating licenses.
Furthermore, companies that fail to comply with SRA requirements risk losing their licenses. The legal framework for enforcing SRAs was strengthened in December 2017 through Legislative Instrument (LI) 2254. This instrument provides clear guidelines for implementation and compliance. The process involves multiple stakeholders, including the Forestry Commission, timber firms, traditional authorities, SRA Committees, and beneficiary communities.
The AFD-FC SRA Project, valued at approximately 300,000 euros, receives funding from the European Union’s FLEGT VPA programme. This project aims to strengthen SRA implementation in Ghana. It will train Forestry Commission officials and timber contractors on legal and operational requirements for SRA implementation. The project will also foster stronger collaboration among stakeholders for monitoring compliance. Additionally, it addresses grievances and resolves disputes.
Albert Katako, another project official, stated the project will help SRA Committees better understand their responsibilities. It will improve community engagement and strengthen transparency in managing SRA funds. SRAs also play a vital role in Ghana’s Timber Legality Assurance System. Compliance with these agreements is essential for obtaining a FLEGT license, ensuring legal and sustainable timber trade. This continued focus on local benefits and compliance is expected to enhance community trust and support for the forestry sector. It will also attract further international support for sustainable timber management practices.