The Manager of the Forest Services Division (FSD) for the Greater Accra Region, Rev. Jonathan Obuor-Wiredu, supported by the Assistant Regional Manager, Mrs. Winfred Ohene-Wiafe, and the District Manager, Mrs. Linda Taabea Kumi-Yeboah, visited the Achimota Forest Reserve boundary along the Legon–GIMPA Bypass to inspect the area and assess how well it is being maintained, as well as to explore ways to better protect the Reserve.
The team’s first stop was Boundary Pillar 4, which shares a boundary with the University of Ghana at Boundary Pillar 10. During the inspection, the team observed that the boundary area was being encroached upon, with refuse dumping by members of the surrounding community and ornamental plant sellers operating along the boundary. The fringe community was also dumping rubbish around a nearby stream, thereby destroying the ecosystem.
The Regional Manager expressed disappointment at the state of the area, noting that it is gradually being turned into a dumpsite. He stated that during previous visits, the team had had to clear the refuse themselves and burn the waste. However, identifying the perpetrators has been difficult, making it challenging to effectively address the problem.
Mrs. Linda Taabea Kumi-Yeboah recommended that fencing be erected around the stream to protect the ecosystem and prevent further encroachment and dumping of refuse at the site.
The team later visited another section of the forest boundary along the Legon Bypass, where Farm Mate Company, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the National Service Secretariat, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, are constructing a tomato purée processing factory. The team met with representatives of the Company and advised them to construct a fence to protect the forest from encroachment and to prevent theft that could disrupt their operations.
The team also interacted with pot and flower sellers along the GIMPA Bypass to introduce themselves, clarify ownership of the land, and express the Forestry Commission’s dissatisfaction with how untidy the area had become. The Regional Manager advised them to properly collect and dispose of any waste they generate. He noted that although their activities beautify the area, their presence was having adverse effects on the Reserve.
Following further enquiries, the team learned that the potters and florists were members of an association known as the Legon Bypass Flowers Growers Association. They subsequently met with the Association’s president, Madam Carol Nii Quaye, a florist.
The Regional Manager informed her of the Forestry Commission’s concerns regarding boundary encroachment and poor maintenance of the area and expressed the need to engage the Association on how best to work together.
Madam Carol stated that she had been working closely with the Forestry Commission since 2017 and regularly reports encroachers who attempt to fell trees. She expressed frustration over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, open defecation, illegal logging at night, and the presence of people living within the forest. She explained that while she does her best to protect the section near her operations, the long stretch of the Forest makes it difficult to monitor all areas.
She recommended the installation of wire mesh fencing around the Reserve to prevent unauthorized access.
In response, the Regional Manager advised her to organise a meeting between the Association and the Forestry Commission to foster collaboration, share ideas, and develop strategies to curb these challenges and better protect the Forest.
In a follow-up engagement, the Regional Manager and his team met with the Association at the Accra Regional Office to formally recognize them as stakeholders operating within the buffer zone of the Achimota Forest Reserve. The meeting was also to register the Association to enable the Forestry Commission maintain proper oversight of the area in terms of ownership, protection, and management.
As part of the interaction, the Regional Manager took the opportunity to educate members on the importance of trees and forests. He highlighted key benefits including air filtration, wildlife protection, medicinal value, and climate regulation. Rev. Obuor – Wiredu also noted that the forest has provided them with land to work on and sustain their livelihoods.
He acknowledged that the presence of the Association has helped reduce theft along the stretch and could further support the Commission in protecting the forest. He noted that any suspicious activities should be promptly reported to the Commission.
“Some of us have jobs to do because of the forest, and we must recognize the forest as something we depend on. Let us come together to protect it for future generations.” He said.
Addressing concerns about security and open defecation, the Regional Manager stated that night patrols have been intensified. “Our men are on the ground patrolling every day and night. However, we will also engage the police to increase their presence in the area,” he said. He further empowered members of the Association to report or apprehend individuals who illegally enter the forest or engage in criminal activities along the stretch.
The Association also expressed concern about threats of eviction by individuals seeking to sell cars or establish washing bays on the buffer zone. In response, the Regional Manager assured them that the Commission would issue letters authorizing their presence on the buffer, provided they assist in protecting the forest, maintain cleanliness, and prevent open defecation.
Members of the Association requested the provision of restroom facilities to address their sanitation needs. Madam Linda responded that the matter would be discussed with the appropriate authorities for approval. She explained that because the area is a buffer zone, permanent structures are not permitted, but discussions would be held and feedback will be provided.
Madam Linda noted that the Association’s presence has both positive and negative impacts on the Commission’s work and reiterated the importance of maintaining cleanliness at all times. “The basic thing we need from you is to keep the place neat. Let us coexist in peace,” she stated
