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Cabinet revokes (E.I.) 144: Government should engage Owoo Family over Achimota Forest- Nii Lante Vanderpuye
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Aspiring national chairman of the National democratic congress (NDC), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has urged the government to engage the family following Cabinet’s decision to revoke Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144 relating to the Achimota Forest Reserve.
According to him on Thursday July 16, 2026 on Channel One TV, the family was not consulted before the decision was taken and should be involved in discussions to ensure an amicable resolution.
Mr Vanderpuye said although the revocation had already been announced, the government should begin talks with the family to ease growing concerns over the decision.
“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,” he said.
Mr Vanderpuye, who said he is both a member of the government and the Owoo Family, acknowledged that the family was unhappy with the decision and expected discussions to take place in the coming weeks.
He noted that the family had previously donated large portions of land for national development, including land used for police and prison quarters as well as research facilities.
He cited an ongoing court case over land at Ajin Kotoku, where he said the previous government initiated an affordable housing project on land the family claims ownership of.
According to him, dialogue between the government and the family is necessary to protect the Achimota Forest Reserve while also addressing the family’s concerns, including compensation for lands their forefathers willingly released for the country’s development.
“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,” he stated.
When asked whether Cabinet had consulted the Owoo Family before revoking E.I. 144, Mr Vanderpuye said he was unaware of any engagement.
“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,” he said.
He added that some members of the public were now blaming family members for a decision in which they had no involvement.
By: Jacob Aggrey
[13:30, 16/07/2026] Edem:
President John Dramani Mahama today cut the sod for the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Model Market in Juapong, North Tongu District, marking the commencement of a transformative project aimed at boosting local commerce, creating sustainable jobs, and driving economic growth in the Volta Region.
The sod-cutting ceremony formed part of the President’s two-day ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ of the Volta Region.
Addressing residents and stakeholders, President Mahama described the proposed facility as a modern economic centre designed to empower farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
He noted that beyond serving as a marketplace, the project will provide critical infrastructure for storage, processing, packaging, distribution, digital commerce, and access to financial services.
The President reaffirmed Government’s commitment to accelerating development across the Volta Region through strategic investments in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, transport, markets, and agro-industrial initiatives.
He highlighted Juapong’s strategic location and economic potential, indicating that the town is well-positioned to emerge as a key commercial and industrial destination within the region.
As part of the flagship 24-Hour Economy programme, the Juapong Model Market will be among the largest facilities under the initiative.
The project has been designated as a Category Four Market, the highest classification within the programme, reflecting its significance to the region’s economic transformation.
Broadcast journalist and aspiring National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Gomoa West, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has pledged to embark on major infrastructure development if elected to represent the constituency in Parliament.
Speaking on Onua TV platform, Captain Smart said his priority would be to transform Gomoa West through extensive development projects.
“I will turn the constituency into a construction site,” he declared, stressing his commitment to improving infrastructure across the area.
Although much of his remarks focused on rallying supporters in local languages, he repeatedly assured residents that they would witness significant development under his leadership.
Captain Smart also urged party supporters to remain united and actively participate in the party’s internal activities ahead of the parliamentary primaries.
He expressed confidence in his bid and promised to work hard to improve the lives of people in Gomoa West if given the opportunity to serve as their parliamentary candidate.
By: Jacob Aggrey
