Working Group on Forest Certification
History before PEFC
Working Group (WG) on Forest Certification is a registered NGO established in 2003 to promote responsible forest management through certification in Ghana. WG comprises key stakeholder groups in the forestry sector in Ghana, including landowners, Tree Growers Association, Wood Industry, Civil Society, Independent Bodies, Women Groups, Timber and Woodworkers Union of the Trade Union Congress, Training and Research Institutions and the Government.
To fulfil its mandate, WG has been developing forest standards to guide management of forest resources in Ghana since 2003. This includes Ghana ITTO standards for Natural Forest and Plantations, Ghana Forest Management Certification Standards and Ghana PEFC standards. It has also acted as a focal point for capacity building on forest certification and sustainable forest management in Ghana and West Africa Sub-Region. In June 2016, WG joined PEFC as National Governing Body in Ghana.
What are the benefits of being part of the PEFC alliance?
Being part of the PEFC family has really improved our knowledge base and enhanced the technical capacity of the Working Group as we have the opportunity to interact with other members of the alliance, learn and share experiences for mutual benefit and participate in PEFC programmes.
Further, it has boosted the image of the Working Group as PEFC is seen as a credible and global force spearheading sustainable Forest Management.
Ghanaian system information
- Joined PEFC: 3 June 2016