Cabinet has revoked Executive Instrument (EI) 144, restoring the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status and reversing the decision that removed part of the reserve in 2022.
The decision restores the forest to its original classification under the 1927 declaration, effectively nullifying the legal changes introduced by EI 144, as amended by EI 234, which excised approximately 361.5 acres from the southern portion of the reserve.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the decision during the Government Accountability Series media briefing on Wednesday, July 15.
He said Cabinet approved the revocation of EI 144, as amended by EI 234, on June 24, 2026, restoring the reserve to its original legal status.
According to the Minister, the revocation forms part of the government’s efforts to protect the Achimota Forest Reserve, which he described as Accra’s largest remaining urban forest.
Mr Buah explained that EI 144, which was gazetted in April 2022 under the previous administration, removed about 361.5 acres from the southern section of the reserve and returned the land to the Owoo family, identified as the pre-acquisition owners.
The decision to excise the land generated public debate and drew criticism from environmental organisations, civil society groups and some Members of Parliament, who called for the forest’s protected status to be restored.
Mr Buah said the restoration of the reserve reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the Achimota Forest Reserve.
He stated that the forest is the last remaining major forest cover in Accra and plays an important role in environmental conservation, improving air quality and serving as a green buffer for the capital and surrounding communities.
According to the Minister, restoring the forest’s full protected status is intended to preserve the reserve for future generations and prevent further encroachment.
