Cabinet revokes EI-144 to restore full protection of Achimota Forest Reserve

Cabinet has revoked Executive Instrument (EI) 144, restoring the Achimota Forest Reserve to its original protected status and reversing the 2022 decision that removed portions of the forest from the reserve.

The decision reinstates the forest’s legal classification under the 1927 declaration, effectively undoing changes introduced four years ago that excised about 361.5 acres from the southern section of the reserve.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the decision on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series.

According to Mr Buah, Cabinet approved the revocation of EI-144, as amended by EI-234, on June 24, 2026, as part of measures to restore the Achimota Forest Reserve to its original legal status.

He explained that the move was aimed at protecting one of Accra’s most important environmental assets, describing the Achimota Forest as the capital’s largest remaining urban forest.

EI-144, which was gazetted in April 2022 under the previous administration, removed approximately 361.5 acres from the southern portion of the reserve and returned the land to the Owoo family, recognised as the pre-acquisition owners.

The decision triggered widespread public debate, with environmental groups, civil society organisations and some lawmakers raising concerns and calling for the forest’s full protection to be restored.

Addressing the latest development, Mr Buah said the government was committed to safeguarding the forest due to its environmental significance.

“This is the only last man standing forest cover in Accra, and President Mahama is determined to protect it at all costs,” he stated.

He noted that the Achimota Forest Reserve contributes significantly to environmental protection, air quality improvement and the maintenance of a green buffer for Accra and surrounding communities.

Mr Buah added that restoring the reserve’s full protected status demonstrates the government’s commitment to conserving natural resources, protecting the forest for future generations and preventing further encroachment.