ACCRA, July 15, 2026 — The Government of Ghana has restored the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status. This was made after Cabinet approved the revocation of Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, as amended by E.I. 234, with minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah describing the decision as a major step toward safeguarding the country’s natural heritage, protecting biodiversity and preserving one of Accra’s last remaining urban forests.
The Minister announced the decision on Wednesday during the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, saying the revocation effectively returns the Achimota Forest to its original legal status as a forest reserve and reinforces its role as an ecological safety zone for Accra and surrounding communities.
Mr. Buah said the government remained committed to protecting the forest from encroachment and other activities that threaten its ecological integrity. According to him, the reserve is one of the few significant forest ecosystems left within the capital and plays a vital role in improving air quality, regulating the local climate, conserving wildlife and providing environmental benefits to residents.
“If you think about it, this is the only last man standing forest cover in Accra and President Mahama is determined to protect it at all costs,” the Minister said.
The restoration reverses legal changes introduced through E.I. 144 in 2022, which removed approximately 361.5 acres of land from the protected forest reserve. The move generated widespread public concern at the time, with environmental organisations, civil society groups and members of the public warning that reducing the protected area could expose portions of the forest to commercial and residential development.
The latest Cabinet decision is therefore expected to bring an end to years of debate over the future of the forest while strengthening Ghana’s environmental conservation agenda. Environmental advocates have consistently described the Achimota Forest as a critical green space that contributes to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and public health in the rapidly expanding Greater Accra Region.
Speaking at the same briefing, Mr. Buah outlined broader measures being implemented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to protect the country’s forests and combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. He said intensified operations involving the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders have led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects and the seizure or destruction of equipment used for illegal mining in forest reserves.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to reclaim degraded lands, improve ecotourism facilities in protected areas and strengthen wildlife conservation through the implementation of the Wildlife Resources Management Act. He noted that government, together with private sector partners, has already reclaimed more than 1,500 acres of degraded land in the Ashanti Region and plans to restore additional degraded areas before the end of the year.
The restoration of the Achimota Forest Reserve is expected to reinforce Ghana’s commitment to sustainable natural resource management while preserving one of the country’s most important ecological assets for future generations. The government says it will continue to implement policies aimed at protecting forests, restoring degraded landscapes and promoting environmental sustainability as part of the country’s long-term development agenda.
SEIDU HUBEIDAU