Cabinet Revokes Executive Instrument, Restores Achimota Forest to Original Reserve Status

The Cabinet has directed the immediate revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, as amended by E.I. 234. The action effectively restores the Achimota Forest to its original designation as a protected Forest Reserve, reversing previous changes that had altered its legal status.

The decision underscores the government’s commitment to preserving ecologically sensitive areas amid growing environmental pressures. Achimota Forest, a vital green lung in the heart of the Greater Accra Region, has long served as a biodiversity hotspot and a critical carbon sink. Environmental advocates have welcomed the restoration, viewing it as a significant victory for conservation efforts in the country.

According to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the revocation ensures that the ecological importance and protected status of the Achimota Forest are fully maintained. “This decision aligns with broader national efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations,” the Minister emphasized in an official statement.

The restoration comes at a time when urban expansion and development pressures continue to threaten green spaces across Ghana. By reinstating the forest’s reserve status, the government aims to prevent further encroachment and promote sustainable management practices that balance development with environmental conservation.

This landmark directive is expected to set a precedent for the protection of other forest reserves nationwide. Stakeholders, including environmental groups and local communities, are now looking forward to the implementation phase, which will focus on enforcement, reforestation where necessary, and long-term monitoring to secure the forest’s future.