The Minority in Parliament has highlighted the environmental effects of the government’s decision to reclassify the Achimota Forest Reserve as a commercial or residential zone.
In a statement, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers noted that the Achimota Forest is the only existing “greenbelt” in the country’s capital.
Thus, any decision forthwith should seek to enhance the present value of the Reserve.
“Any decision by the government to reclassify it as a commercial or residential zone, even if only a part of it, will not serve the ecological value effect but, on the contrary, jeopardise the essence of the forest as a reserved area and will open it up to further abuse and non-ecological use.
“It is our belief that if any part of the Achimota Forest is released to any original owner and committed to any use either than its present use, it will set in motion a catalytic action of demands for the return of whole or parts of the about 265 Forest reserves across the country to original landowners,” the Minority said.
His comment comes after an eight-page document was widely circulated on social media, which purported to mean that the classification of the Achimota Forest Reserve has been lifted to pave the way for a possible redevelopment for other purposes.
The Instrument gazetted on behalf of President Akufo-Addo by the Lands Minister, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, stipulated that effective May 1, 2022, the land on which the Forest is located shall cease to be a forest reserve, pursuant to Section 19 of the Forest Act, 1927 (CAP. 157).
The cessation, per that document, was to be effective on May 1, 2022.
However, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has said the government is not selling the land.
According to him, plans are rather afoot to upgrade the Achimota Forest into a world-class asset.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, May 17, the sector minister emphasised that widespread reports about the supposed sale of the Forest are false and baseless, as government has no such plans.
"The government intends to enrich the Achimota forest, revamp it and hopefully in the not too distant future, transform it into the likes of High Park of London and Central Park of New York, where Ghanaians can go and enjoy the beauty of nature and forest reserve as it happens in other parts of the world”.
Latest Stories
-
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
3 mins -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
8 mins -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
13 mins -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
20 mins -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
25 mins -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
31 mins -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
36 mins -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
46 mins -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
1 hour -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
1 hour -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
1 hour -
NDC government will establish a Women’s Development Bank – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
2 hours -
My selection is an affirmation of your belief in women – Naana Opoku tells Mahama
2 hours -
Our ticket will be a pair of experienced individuals – Mahama assures
2 hours -
NDC officially outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
2 hours