President John Dramani Mahama has declared a firm stance against further encroachment on the Achimota Forest, describing it as a vital ecological asset that must be preserved for future generations.

Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations, he warned against the continued depletion of green spaces in the capital, stressing the urgency of safeguarding the forest.

“It is the last largest open green space in Accra. We have built everywhere. Accra is becoming a concrete jungle, and so as much as possible, we must protect the Achimota Forest,” he stated.

The President revealed that he has already intervened to halt any ongoing or proposed attempts to allocate portions of the forest for private development.

“Recently, there was a request… and the Minister came to me. I said, ‘I don’t want to hear about Achimota Forest. You shelve it. Nobody is giving any portion of Achimota Forest,’” he disclosed.

While acknowledging longstanding ownership claims by a private family, President Mahama raised concerns about past decisions that have led to the gradual loss of parts of the reserve, citing a lack of transparency in previous processes.

He noted that earlier concessions—such as land released for the construction of a hotel—may have been made in good faith but ultimately triggered a wave of additional demands that extended beyond the original intent.

“That whole thing spiraled into endless demands for more acquisition of the forest… parts of the forest were even bequeathed as part of people’s estates,” he said.

The President called for stronger collaboration between government and civil society groups to prevent further encroachment, urging them to work closely with the Ministry of Lands to protect the forest.

He also acknowledged the need to familiarise himself further with the details of Executive Instrument 144, which has been at the centre of public debate over portions of the forest.

“I must admit, I don’t know much about it, but if it has to do with Achimota Forest, I’m on the same page with you,” he added.