GTTIA commends Mahama for restoring Achimota Forest to protected status

The Ghana Timber Trade and Industry Association (GTTIA) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for revoking Executive Instruments (E.I.) 144 and 234, a move that has restored the Achimota Forest to its status as a protected forest reserve.

In a statement issued in Accra, the President of GTTIA, Alexander Kinsford Dadzie, said the Association recognised that the sustainability of Ghana’s timber industry and national timber security depended largely on the preservation of the country’s natural forest ecosystems.

“The full restoration of the Achimota Forest Reserve delivers fundamental ecological and environmental protection,” the Association stated.

Mr Dadzie commended President Mahama for what he described as decisive political leadership, visionary environmental stewardship and a strong commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural heritage.

He also expressed appreciation to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his leadership in ensuring the revocation of the instruments.

Mr Dadzie further acknowledged the roles played by the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr Isaac Essien and Dr Hughes C. A. Brown, respectively, in what he described as a historic decision to restore the forest’s protected status.

Below is the full statement:
GHANA TIMBER TRADE AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (GTTIA)

PRESS STATEMENT: GTTIA COMMENDS GOVERNMENT ON THE REVOCATION OF EXECUTIVE INSTRUMENTS (E.I. 144 and E.I. 234) AND THE FULL RESTORATION OF THE ACHIMOTA FOREST RESERVE

Ghana Timber Trade and Industry Association (GTTIA) officially issues this press statement to express its total support and profound commendation for Government's landmark decision to revoke Executive Instrument 144 (E.I. 144) and Executive Instrument 234 (E.I. 234). This historic step fully restores the complete protected forest reserve status of Achimota Forest Reserve.

As a principal stakeholder committed to sustainable timber utilization, trade, and long-term forest conservation in Ghana, GTTIA recognizes that national timber security and industry sustainability depend directly on the preservation of our natural forest ecosystem. The full restoration of the Achimota Forest Reserve delivers fundamental ecological and environmental protection.

GTTIA extends its highest appreciation and commendation to:

1. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama the President of the Republic of Ghana for demonstrating decisive political leadership, visionary environmental stewardship and a strong commitment to safeguarding the country's natural heritage over temporary interests.
2. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah for his resolute leadership in Cabinet, unwavering commitment to environmental accountability and proactive stance in protecting national forest lands.
3. The Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board Mr Isaac Essien ESQ for strategic guidance, oversight and policy alignment that prioritizes long-term resource protection and ecological sustainability of the
4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission Dr Hughes C.A Brown, for technical leadership, operational management, boundary demarcation, and dedicated ground enforcement to reclaim and protect forest assets nationwide.

GTTIA reaffirms its partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission.The Association remains committed to supporting sustainable forest management, promoting legal timber sourcing and collaborating on reforestation and boundary protection initiatives to ensure Ghana’s forest reserves endure for future generations.

While the legal restoration of Achimota Forest marks a major victory, sustained enforcement, perimeter protection and reforestation remain critical. GTTIA therefore encourages the Forestry Commission, Civil Societies in the landscape and other stakeholders to closely collaborate to prevent illegal activities and ensure long-term vitality of the reserve.

Issued by:
Ghana Timber Trade and Industry Association (GTTIA)

Signed
Alexander Kingsfred Dadzie