The Government of Ghana has taken a major step toward strengthening environmental conservation after Cabinet approved the revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, restoring the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status.
The decision reverses changes introduced under E.I. 144, which was later amended by E.I. 234, and had allowed portions of the forest reserve to be excluded from legal protection.
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The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who described the Cabinet’s decision as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to preserve one of its most valuable natural resources.
According to the minister, restoring the forest’s protected status demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s environmental heritage for future generations.
The Achimota Forest Reserve, located in the Greater Accra Region, is regarded as one of the country’s most important urban forests.
It serves as a vital ecological asset by supporting biodiversity, improving air quality, regulating local climate conditions, and providing an important green space within the rapidly expanding capital.
E.I. 144, which came into force in 2022 and was later amended through E.I. 234, generated widespread public debate after portions of the forest reserve were removed from protected status.
The legal changes raised concerns among environmental groups, conservationists, and members of the public who feared that sections of the reserve could become vulnerable to development and other activities that might threaten the forest’s long-term survival.
With Cabinet’s latest decision, the entire Achimota Forest Reserve will once again enjoy its original legal protection.
The revocation effectively prevents further exclusion of portions of the reserve under the revoked Executive Instrument, reinforcing existing conservation measures.
The move has been welcomed by environmental organizations that have consistently advocated for stronger protection of the forest.
Among the groups leading the campaign was A Rocha Ghana, which repeatedly called for the withdrawal of E.I. 144, arguing that the forest plays an essential role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.
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Conservation advocates have long maintained that preserving Achimota Forest is crucial not only for protecting wildlife and plant species but also for improving the quality of life for residents in Greater Accra through cleaner air and enhanced ecological balance.
Government officials say the latest decision reflects a broader commitment to improving environmental governance and strengthening the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves.
Authorities believe safeguarding natural ecosystems is essential to addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, urban expansion, and environmental degradation.
The restoration of Achimota Forest’s protected status is expected to provide stronger legal backing for conservation efforts while supporting ongoing initiatives aimed at preserving one of Ghana’s most significant ecological landmarks.
As discussions on environmental protection continue, the government’s decision is being viewed by many as an important step toward balancing development with the long-term conservation of the country’s natural resources.
Source: Thepressradio.com
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