Ghana revokes orders on Achimota Forest, steps up fight against illegal mining

Ghana's government has officially reversed controversial executive orders that threatened to rezone the Achimota Forest Reserve. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the decision, reaffirming the forest's protected status and its role as a crucial green belt for Accra.

The move has been welcomed by environmentalists who have long advocated for the preservation of the capital's primary forest cover. Minister Buah emphasized that the government will manage natural resources for the benefit of all citizens, not just a select few.

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The government would no longer allow the country’s natural resources to benefit only a few individuals, adding that they would instead be managed for the prosperity of all citizens.

Progress was also highlighted in the "Tree for Life" program, with 31 million seedlings planted last year and a target of 30 million for the current year. Nearly 2,720 "Youth Forest Champions" have been deployed to support these restoration efforts.

In parallel, the government intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, known as "galamsey." Operations between January and June resulted in 200 actions across 53 districts, leading to 207 arrests, including 46 foreigners. Security forces seized or disabled excavators, confiscated numerous mining machines and motorbikes, destroyed illegal structures, and recovered firearms and ammunition.

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We really need to see the hard evidence before we start formulating any conclusions on these matters.