It was a decision that sent ripples through Ghana’s environmental and civic circles. On May 1, 2022, Executive Instrument 144 (E.I. 144) came into effect, carving out 361.5 acres, about 146 hectares of the cherished Achimota Forest from its protected status. Detailed survey maps outlined the precise areas to be removed, raising alarm among environmentalists and citizens alike.
The move triggered immediate and widespread debate: many feared that lifting protection would open the door to commercial and residential projects, threatening one of Greater Accra’s last urban forests.
Environmental advocates, civil society organisations, and concerned residents spoke out, warning of the consequences for the city’s ecological balance and the generations to come.
Now, the tide has turned. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced a dramatic policy reversal: Cabinet has ordered the immediate repeal of Executive Instrument 144. This decision clears the path for Achimota Forest to be fully restored to its original status as a Forest Reserve. The revocation also covers subsequent amendments, such as E.I. 234, ensuring that every acre previously excised will once again be protected.
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the government’s priority is to safeguard Achimota Forest, highlighting its critical role in protecting Accra’s environment.
The forest, he noted, is not just a green space, it is a vital ecological buffer for the capital, supporting biodiversity, enhancing air quality, absorbing carbon, regulating temperatures, and serving as a beloved recreational haven for city dwellers.
With this decision, Achimota Forest is set to remain a sanctuary for both nature and people, securing its place in the heart of Accra’s future.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com