Achimota Forest Declassification Threatens Environment-Armah-Kofi Buah


The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has described Executive Instruments (EI) 144 and 246(2)—which seek to declassify parts of the Achimota Forest—as a threat to Ghana’s environment.

He assured that under the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Achimota Forest will remain protected.

Speaking during a visit to the Forestry Commission on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, the Minister urged management and staff to align their operations with the government's Reset Agenda.

Mr. Buah revealed that upon assuming office, out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves, only 48 had not been encroached upon by illegal miners, and just nine were classified as "no-go areas." He announced that the NDC government has since recovered seven of those nine reserves, with efforts ongoing to reclaim the remaining two.

He called on the Commission to adopt a more commercial approach to reduce reliance on government funding and improve efficiency, emphasizing that this is key to the broader Reset Ghana Agenda.

“Your work is central to Ghana’s identity. Without you, there is no Ghana,” the Minister said, stressing the Commission’s vital role in national development.

He encouraged staff to support President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, promising rewards for hard work and cautioning against sabotage.

The Minister acknowledged the persistent threats of illegal mining and logging and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to President Mahama’s campaign promises.

“For the Forestry Commission, Resetting Ghana means executing our duties with integrity, dedication, and hard work,” he stated.

As MP for Ellembelle, Mr. Buah pledged to champion a Legislative Instrument in Parliament to secure sustained funding for the Commission, helping protect Ghana’s natural heritage and supporting global climate goals.

He reiterated the urgency of creating a commercial division within the Commission, noting, “If the Commission was seen as a charity 50 years ago, it must now evolve. Under the Reset Agenda, that mindset must change.”

He urged the Commission to inject new energy and innovation into its operations to attract skilled youth and investors for long-term sustainability.

Presenting to the Minister, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, outlined achievements recorded in the last quarter since Mr. Buah assumed office: the seizure of 101 excavators (with six decommissioned), confiscation of three bulldozers and six pickups, and the arrest of 76 individuals engaged in illegal activities.

Dr. Brown also highlighted the success of the Tree4Life initiative and pledged the Commission’s full cooperation with the Ministry.




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