Cabinet has directed the immediate revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, as amended by E.I. 234, in a move that restores the Achimota Forest to its original status as a protected Forest Reserve.
The decision marks a significant step by the government to strengthen environmental protection and reaffirm its commitment to preserving one of Ghana’s most important urban forest ecosystems.
Announcing the decision, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the revocation ensures that the ecological importance and protected status of the Achimota Forest are fully maintained.
According to the Minister, the Cabinet’s directive aligns with the government’s broader efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and protect environmentally sensitive areas from activities that could undermine their long-term sustainability.
“The decision ensures that the ecological importance and protected status of the Achimota Forest are maintained in line with efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources,” Mr. Buah stated.
The revocation of E.I. 144, together with its amendment under E.I. 234, effectively reverses the legal changes that had altered the status of portions of the Achimota Forest, restoring the entire forest reserve to its original protected designation.
Environmental advocates have long described the Achimota Forest as a critical ecological asset, serving as one of the country’s major green spaces. The forest plays a vital role in improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, regulating the local climate, and providing recreational and educational opportunities for the public.
The government’s latest decision is expected to bolster ongoing conservation efforts while reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable environmental management and the protection of Ghana’s forest resources.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is expected to provide further details on the implementation of the Cabinet directive and the legal processes required to complete the revocation of the Executive Instruments.
By 1960news.com
