Cabinet revokes (E.I.) 144: Government should engage Owoo Family over Achimota Forest- Nii Lante Vanderpuye

Nii Lante Vanderpuye, an aspiring national chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the Ghanaian government to engage the Owoo family following the Cabinet's decision to revoke Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144 concerning the Achimota Forest Reserve.

“

I think the family has a case, but government must also engage the family. There must be some conversation that will make people feel relieved of the pressure that will come out of this particular decision.

Vanderpuye stated on Channel One TV that the family was not consulted before the decision was made and should be involved in discussions to ensure an amicable resolution. He acknowledged that the family is unhappy with the revocation and expects talks in the coming weeks.

He highlighted that the Owoo family has previously donated land for national development, including sites for police and prison facilities, and research centers. Vanderpuye cited an ongoing court case involving affordable housing on land claimed by the family.

“

The necessary discussions must be held so that government can preserve this ecological asset, while the family also contributes to the discussions and receives the necessary compensation.

Dialogue is crucial, he argued, to protect the Achimota Forest Reserve while also addressing the family's concerns, including compensation for ancestral lands released for national development. Vanderpuye confirmed he was unaware of any prior engagement with the family before the E.I. 144 revocation, noting that some family members expressed bitterness and surprise at the decision.

“

I can tell you for a fact that, as I sit here, I’m not aware. Yesterday, I called some members of the family and they were very bitter because they had not been consulted. They were taken by surprise by the decision.