Omanghana
The Government of Ghana has approved the immediate revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, restoring the entire Achimota Forest Reserve to its original protected status and reversing a controversial land excision that had sparked years of public debate.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during the Government Accountability Series press briefing held at the Presidency.
The decision marks a major policy shift in the management of one of Ghana’s most important urban green spaces and responds to longstanding concerns from environmental groups, civil society organizations, and members of the public over the future of the reserve.
Cabinet Approves Reversal of Forest Land Excisions
According to the Lands Minister, Cabinet formally approved the revocation of E.I. 144 during its meeting on June 24, 2026.
The directive effectively cancels the legal changes introduced under E.I. 144 and its subsequent amendment, E.I. 234, which had removed portions of the forest reserve from protected status.
The previous instruments had excised approximately 361.5 acres (146 hectares) from the southern section of the Achimota Forest Reserve, opening the possibility for alternative uses of the land.
With the latest decision, the affected areas will once again be recognized as part of the protected forest reserve.
Returning the Forest to Its Original 1927 Status
The government said the restoration returns the legal status of the reserve to the boundaries established under the original 1927 colonial declaration that created the Achimota Forest Reserve.
This means the entire forest area will once again receive the same level of legal protection intended under the original conservation framework.
Officials said the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s remaining natural ecosystems, particularly in areas facing increasing pressure from urban expansion.
Achimota Forest Described as Critical Environmental Asset
Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that protecting Achimota Forest is essential to Ghana’s environmental and urban development objectives.
He described the reserve as the “last man standing” forest cover in the Greater Accra Region, highlighting its importance in a rapidly urbanizing capital city.
The minister said the forest serves several critical ecological functions, including:
- Improving air quality within the Greater Accra area.
- Helping regulate local temperatures and climate conditions.
- Providing a natural buffer against environmental degradation.
- Protecting biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
- Supporting healthier urban living conditions.
Environmental experts have long warned that the loss of urban forest areas could worsen heat levels, flooding risks, and air pollution in major cities.
Ending Fears of Commercial Development
The reversal addresses years of opposition from environmental advocates and civil society groups who raised concerns that the removal of protected status could lead to large-scale commercial or residential development within the forest.
Critics had argued that the excised portions of the reserve were vulnerable to private acquisition and could eventually be transformed into real estate projects.
The government’s decision has been welcomed by conservation advocates who have consistently called for stronger protection of Ghana’s remaining forest resources.
Independent Audit to Review Land Allocations
Following the revocation, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced plans to conduct an independent audit of the affected areas.
The review will examine:
- The exact acreage of lands previously removed from protection.
- Historical allocations and ownership records.
- Existing claims or developments within the affected portions.
- Whether any acquisitions followed proper legal procedures.
The government said the audit will provide a clearer picture of the current status of the land and guide future actions.
Government Warns Against Illegal Acquisitions
Authorities have also warned that any improper or unlawful acquisition of public lands within the Achimota Forest Reserve will be addressed.
The government stated that it will take firm action against individuals or entities found to have obtained land through illegal means, regardless of when the acquisition occurred.
Officials emphasized that protecting public lands remains a national priority and that environmental assets cannot be sacrificed for short-term commercial interests.
Major Step Toward Environmental Protection
The restoration of Achimota Forest’s full protected status represents one of Ghana’s most significant environmental policy decisions in recent years.
As Accra continues to experience rapid population growth and urban development, conservationists say preserving remaining green spaces will be increasingly important for public health, climate resilience, and sustainable city planning.
The government’s action signals a renewed commitment to balancing development with environmental protection and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from Ghana’s natural heritage.
Source: Omanghana
