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Cabinet has revoked Executive Instrument (EI) 144, restoring the Achimota Forest Reserve to its original protected status.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the decision during the Government Accountability Series media briefing on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The move reverses the 2022 decision that removed a portion of the forest from the reserve. The revocation restores the forest’s legal classification under the 1927 declaration and cancels changes introduced through EI 144 and its amendment, EI 234, which excised about 361.5 acres from the southern part of the reserve.
According to the Minister, Cabinet approved the revocation on June 24, 2026, reaffirming the Achimota Forest Reserve’s original legal status.
Mr. Buah explained that EI 144, which was gazetted in April 2022, transferred the 361.5-acre portion of the forest to the Owoo family, who were identified as the pre-acquisition owners.
The decision at the time faced strong opposition from environmental groups, civil society organisations and some Members of Parliament, who called for the forest’s full protection to be restored.
The Lands Minister said the government remains committed to conserving the Achimota Forest, describing it as Accra’s largest remaining urban forest and a key environmental asset.
He stressed that President John Dramani Mahama is determined to protect the forest, which plays an important role in improving air quality, preserving biodiversity and serving as a green buffer for the capital and surrounding communities.
Mr. Buah added that restoring the reserve’s protected status demonstrates government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources for future generations and preventing further encroachment.
Story by Efua Nessa