Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has confirmed that an agreement has been reached to release 262 acres of the Achimota Forest to its allodial owners, the Owoo family. This decision comes after extensive negotiations following the initial controversy surrounding the issuance of Executive Instrument 144 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which sought to reclassify 362 acres of the forest land for return to the Owoo family.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Mr. Jinapor explained that the decision to return the land to the Owoo family was initially made by President Mahama’s administration in 2013, with cabinet approval granted on September 5 of that year. He noted that the current administration is legally bound by the decisions of the previous government, which had already leased out 362 acres of the Achimota Forest land.
However, Jinapor revealed that his ministry successfully negotiated a reduction of 100 acres from the originally planned 362 acres to address concerns regarding the ecological integrity of the forest. This negotiation resulted in the release of 262 acres instead.
“As far back as September 5, 2013, President Mahama’s government granted cabinet approval for the return of this land to the Owoo family. By the time I became Minister, a total of 362 acres had been leased out. This decision spans multiple administrations, from President Kufuor’s government to President Akufo-Addo’s administration, up until 2021 when I assumed office,” Jinapor stated.
He added, “We’ve set up a team and engaged in negotiations with stakeholders of the Achimota Forest because of our concern for the ecological integrity of the forest. We wanted a buffer between what the Owoo family would receive and what would remain as the Achimota Forest today. Through these negotiations, we managed to reduce the release by 100 acres, bringing it down to 262 acres.”
Jinapor also highlighted that stringent measures have been put in place to ensure that individuals cannot take possession of the land without fulfilling specific conditions, given the ecological sensitivity of the forest reserve.
“As of today, even though the transaction was concluded a year ago, no one has taken possession of even a square meter of the Achimota Forest land,” he assured.
The minister’s remarks aim to clarify the government’s position on the matter while addressing public concerns about preserving the ecological balance of the Achimota Forest.
