Accra: Cabinet has made a pivotal decision to revoke Executive Instrument (E.I 144) as amended by E.I 234, thereby restoring the Achimota Forest to its original status as a Forest Reserve. This move aims to provide an ecological safety zone for Accra and its surrounding areas. Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, announced this development during the Government Accountability Series Press Conference at the Presidency.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Buah emphasized the significance of protecting Accra's last remaining forest cover and highlighted President Mahama's commitment to its preservation. In an effort to combat illegal mining activities, the Ministry is collaborating with the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders to intensify enforcement operations within forest reserves. These efforts have led to the arrest of 258 suspects, the demobilization of six excavators, and the seizure of various equipment, including 1,225 pumping machines, 765 Changfan machines, and 40 gold detectors.
Mr Buah also provided an update on the Ministry's performance in the first half of 2026, noting the absence of any Red zones since December 2025. In terms of Wildlife Resource Management Regulation, he mentioned that the Ministry, in partnership with the Forestry Commission, is developing a Legislative Instrument to implement the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). This instrument will provide legal support and guidelines for Community Resources Management Areas (CREMAs).
The Minister outlined the Ministry's strategy for reclaiming mined-out areas, highlighting the reclamation of 1,535 acres of degraded land in the Ashanti Region in collaboration with the private sector. The government aims to reclaim an additional 960 acres of land nationwide by the end of the year.
In relation to Ecotourism Promotion and Revenue Diversification, Mr Buah stated that the government is focused on maximizing revenues from forest and wildlife resources. Improvements are being made to ecotourism facilities within national parks and resource reserves. A 120-seater picnic area and a 10-unit chalet are set for completion at the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, alongside a 20-room tourist accommodation and restaurant at Mole National Park.
On the issuance of Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, Mr Buah highlighted Ghana's achievement as the first African country to qualify for FLEGT licenses in August 2025. Since then, over 600 licenses have been issued to 22 European Union destinations, enhancing Ghana's credibility in the international timber trade and bolstering its efforts towards climate resilience.