President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the Achimota Forest Reserve will not be sacrificed for private development, insisting that the country’s environmental assets must be protected for future generations.
He said government has restored the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status after Cabinet approved the revocation of Executive Instrument 144, as amended.
President Mahama made the announcement during a courtesy call by the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs on him at the Presidency on Wednesday, July 21, 2026.
According to him, the Achimota Forest remains Accra’s largest remaining urban forest and serves as an important environmental asset, green buffer, and national heritage.
“The Achimota Forest Reserve remains Accra’s largest remaining urban forest and must not be sacrificed for private development. It must be protected as an environmental asset, a green buffer, and a national heritage for present and future generations,” he said.
President Mahama said the decision forms part of government’s commitment to reforming land administration, protecting state lands, and ensuring transparency in the management of public property.
He stated that government had reviewed questionable land transactions, halted the processing of titles for some uncompleted allocations, and reclaimed some lands where necessary.
The President added that government is preparing legislation to ensure that the disposal of public lands and other state assets follows transparent legal procedures, including prior approval from Parliament.
He also announced plans to reform the Lands Commission and strengthen the digitisation of land records to prevent multiple sales, reduce corruption, and improve the processing of land documents.
President Mahama further assured the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs that government would continue to engage traditional authorities and relevant institutions to address outstanding issues relating to compensation, land ownership, state acquisitions, and lawful utilisation of public lands.
He said the government’s approach would be guided by transparency, fairness, accountability, and respect for the legitimate interests of the Ga-Dangme people and other stakeholders.
The President’s remarks come amid longstanding public concerns over the protection and management of the Achimota Forest, which has faced debates over its status and possible development.
