Cabinet has directed the immediate revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, clearing the way for the full restoration of the Achimota Forest to its original legal status as a protected Forest Reserve.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, during the Government Accountability Series, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving one of Accra’s most important ecological assets.
E.I. 144, which took effect on May 1, 2022, removed approximately 361.5 acres (about 146 hectares) from the Achimota Forest Reserve, declaring that the affected land would no longer form part of the protected forest. The instrument, later amended by E.I. 234, contained detailed survey descriptions identifying the portions of land to be excised from the reserve.
Its implementation sparked widespread public criticism from environmental groups, civil society organisations and members of the public, who warned that removing the protected status of parts of the forest could expose the land to commercial and residential development, threatening one of the few remaining urban forests in the Greater Accra Region.
Mr. Buah said Cabinet’s decision to revoke E.I. 144, as amended by E.I. 234, reflects the government’s resolve to safeguard the Achimota Forest for future generations.
According to him, preserving the forest is essential because of its environmental significance and its role in maintaining the ecological balance of Accra and surrounding communities.
He explained that once the revocation takes effect, all lands that were removed from the forest reserve under the Executive Instrument will automatically revert to their previous legal status as protected forest land.
The Achimota Forest is widely regarded as a critical ecological buffer for the capital, providing important environmental services including carbon sequestration, improved air quality, biodiversity conservation and temperature regulation. It also serves as a major recreational and green space for residents of Accra.
The government’s decision is expected to be welcomed by environmental advocates, who have consistently called for the permanent protection of the forest against encroachment and development.
Source: citinews
