The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has dismissed reports that the Achimota Forest Reserve is being sold, describing them as false and misleading.
He explained that the government remains committed to protecting, reforesting and preserving the forest, while preventing further encroachment.
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Mr. Jinapor clarified that Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144 only removes the peripheral portions of the reserve from forest reserve status. These lands had already been leased to the Owoo Family in 2013 following executive approval granted by the previous administration.
He added that E.I. 154 ensures the core area of the Achimota Forest remains a protected forest reserve, preserving its ecological integrity.
According to the minister, any development on the released peripheral lands will be strictly regulated. A master plan must first be prepared by the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, approved by the Forestry Commission, and receive final approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
He stressed that no development would be allowed if it threatened the ecological integrity of the remaining forest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding Achimota Forest for future generations.
