<< Back             Poser >> Timber operators put on notice as authorities push for compliance and sustainability  The Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme, in collaboration with the UK government, has organised a capacity-building workshop for stakeholders in Ghana’s timber industry to strengthen compliance with forestry regulations. The workshop also sought to promote sustainable practices and enhance operators’ access to both local and international markets. Participants were drawn from Adansi Asokwa, Obuasi, New Adubiase, Dunkwa-on-Offin, Assin Fosu and Twifo Praso. The workshop forms part of efforts to advance good forest and mineral governance and reduce the impact of illegal timber trade, mining and deforestation in Ghana, Liberia and Cameroon. Speaking at the event, Mrs Margaret Appiah, Senior Project Manager of the Nature and Development Foundation, said strengthening the capacity of timber industry players remained crucial to promoting responsible forest governance, accountability and sustainable forest management. According to her, many timber operators continue to face challenges in understanding compliance requirements and documentation processes, making continuous stakeholder engagement necessary to bridge knowledge gaps and improve adherence to forestry regulations. She stressed the need for stronger collaboration between regulatory institutions and timber operators to ensure the sustainable exploitation of forest resources while safeguarding the environment for future generations. Dr Frank Ankomah, Manager of the Timber Verification Department, said some companies still struggle to meet international standards due to deficiencies in their production and operational systems. He noted that compliance gaps continue to affect the clearance and export of timber products to both domestic and international markets. Dr Ankomah urged stakeholders to ensure full legal compliance and operate within the regulations governing the sector. He explained that companies that comply with the law would be better positioned to market their products without challenges and take advantage of opportunities in local and international markets. Participants expressed appreciation to the organisers and development partners for the educational programme and pledged to apply the knowledge acquired to improve compliance, operational standards and sustainability in their businesses. Source: GNA Ghana Business News	Nigeria’s economic recalibration good for business — Jumia CEO By Etop Ekanem  Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Group, Francis Dufay, has offered a perspective that placed Nigeria not at the margins of risk, but at the centre of reform, growth and stability. Speaking during a panel on emerging markets, at the Sohn Conference in New York, Dufay described the period between 2021 and 2024 as […] Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price to N1,250/litre Dangote Refinery has reduced the gantry price of petrol, to N1,250 per litre from N1,275 per litre, representing a two per cent decrease. Over 100 imported vegetable oil brands dominating local market despite ban — Ikoro ….Accuses Customs, NAFDAC, SON of enforcement failure By Cynthia Alo Despite the retention of vegetable oil on the Federal Government’s prohibition list under the 2026 fiscal policy measures, the National Chairman of the Vegetable/Edible Oil Producers Association of Nigeria (VEOPAN), Okey Ikoro, said the local market is still dominated by more than 100 imported oil brands, […] India turns to Nigeria, other African countries for Soybeans By Cynthia Alo, with Agency report India has turned to Nigeria and other African countries for soybean imports after soaring domestic prices forced Indian traders to cancel soymeal export contracts for the first time since 2021. According to a Reuters report, Indian traders cancelled about 25,000 metric tons of soymeal export contracts and secured about 80,000 […]  ITAS implementation will not introduce new taxes – GRA assures businesses  Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has assured the business community that the introduction of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) will not lead to the imposition of new taxes. CBN unveils new FX guidelines, approves cash movement of $50,000 By Emma Ujah,  Abuja Bureau Chief The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued fresh Foreign Exchange Guidelines which provides that an individual can move cash of up to $50,000, but must be declared at the point of exit. The bank also retained the earlier provision for the movement or import of cash of up to […]