The government has restored the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status after Cabinet approved the revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, reversing a 2022 decision that excised approximately 361.5 acres from the reserve.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the decision on Wednesday, July 15, during the Government Accountability Series, describing it as a major step towards safeguarding one of Accra’s most important ecological assets.
According to the minister, Cabinet approved the revocation of E.I. 144, as amended by E.I. 234, on June 24, 2026. He said the decision restores the Achimota Forest Reserve to its original legal status under the 1927 declaration.
E.I. 144, which took effect on May 1, 2022, removed about 361.5 acres (146 hectares) from the southern section of the reserve and returned the land to the Owoo family, identified as the pre-acquisition owners. The move attracted widespread criticism from environmental groups, civil society organisations and sections of the public, who warned that the removal of the protected status could expose the land to commercial and residential development.
Mr Buah said the current administration was committed to preserving the reserve because of its environmental significance and its role in maintaining the ecological balance of Accra and surrounding communities.
“This is the only last man standing forest cover in Accra, and President Mahama is determined to protect it at all costs,” he said.
He explained that revoking E.I. 144 would reverse the legal changes introduced in 2022, with all lands previously excised from the reserve reverting to their protected forest status.
The minister said preserving the Achimota Forest forms part of the government’s broader environmental conservation agenda. He noted that the reserve plays a critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, air quality improvement and temperature regulation, while also serving as an important recreational and green buffer zone for the Greater Accra Region.
