Welcome to the Ghana's VPA process. The VPA between Ghana and EU was signed in a ceremony in Brussels on November 20, 2009. See Agreement
 

Ghana is in the process of developing the relevant systems to implement the provisions of the agreement. A Wood Tracking System (WTS) and the protocols for assessing legal compliance are key elements under development.

From the 27 - 29^th January 2010, Ghana hosted the first Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism meeting in Accra. The JMRM is established under the Agreement to facilitate the implementation of the VPA; provide recommendations for capacity building; and assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the Agreement.  As envisaged under the Agreement and agreed by the parties, the JMRM will meet at least once a year to discuss the status of implementation.  The JMRM is co-chaired by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), and  the Director, DG Development, Brussels and sets up a joint secretariat to be hosted by the EU Delegation in Accra and the Forestry Commission. 

The next meeting of the JMRM will be held in Accra in October 2010 following an assessment of Ghana’s wood tracking system pilot.  View the Aide Memoire

A multi-stakeholder implementation committee similar in structure to the steering committee that was used for the preparatory process will oversee the implementation phase of the process. The committee which was inauqurated on 18th February, 2010 is chaired by the Deputy Minister in Charge of Forestry at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.  Click here for: