The VLS Working Group submitted its report to the Steering Committee at the end of February. The working group essentially endorsed the proposals submitted by the FC and SGS and reviewed favourably by ProForest in 2007.

Ghana will also employ an Independent Monitor who will audit the entire system and report periodically on its performance. The PC recommends that at least during its pilot project phase the Independent Monitor should be a company from outside of Ghana working in partnership with a local company. This will ensure the international credibility and transparency of the LAS and ensure that the long term costs are optimised. The Working Group proposes that the EU can send foreign monitors after the pilot phase at their own cost.

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