News
Reverse E.I 144 to protect Achimota Forest – CSOs demand
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the climate change space have called on the Executive and Parliament to reverse legislation permitting forest reserve developments.
The groups are demanding that Executive Instrument 144 and Legislative Instrument 246 (2) that declassified the Achimota Forest and other reserves across the country, be immediately halted to save the few and fast-depleting reserves left.
The coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwaa, argued on the Citi Breakfast on Citi FM that declassifying forest reserves is not in the country’s interest and must not be permitted to prevail.
She said, “The government acquired lands for horticultural purposes and not for commercial purposes and so we need to have an audit and those structures on Parks and Gardens lands must be removed immediately. We are asking the Cabinet to rescind E.I 144 to reverse the declassification of the Achimota Forest and also, Parliament must reverse LI 246 (2) because they are not in the interest of Ghana or Ghanaians.”
“The colonial administration had the good sense to have forest reserves for posterity, knowing the value of forests and now, with all our education, we want to convert our protective forest reserves into developments. There is an increase in lung diseases due to all these developments,” Awula Serwaa further told Caleb Kudah on Thursday.
E.I. 144 is in relation to 361 acres of Achimota forest that the government is returning to its custodial owners, the Owoo family.
The Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu also urged the Lands Minister to reverse the legislation and block any attempts to reclassify forest reserves.
“Citizens were thinking that with all the uproar, the government will rescind its decision but they are seriously on the forest reserve demarcating portions of the forest and that is very unfortunate,” she added.
She concluded that “It is unfortunate that this is happening at a time we are talking about air pollution and other things yet we are still determined to go into the forest. The government must take a bold step and say, they are going to listen to the people and stop the demarcation because the Achimota Forest is very important and theLands Minister must not allow it.”
Source: Citinewsroom.com
Ghanaian cinema continues to break boundaries as Vibes The Movie has received an official nomination at the prestigious Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Toronto.
This latest international recognition is another proud moment for Ghana and a powerful testament to the creativity, originality, and global appeal of Ghanaian storytelling.
Directed by Big Ghun and starring Jeffrey Nortey, Vibes The Movie evolved from the hugely successful social media series, where the beloved characters Obolo Tui and Lil Pui captured the hearts of millions with their unique blend of rap, comedy, and relatable stories about the everyday struggles and ambitions of Ghanaian youth.
The film has already brought honour to Ghana on the international stage, most recently winning an Outstanding Achievement Award at the American Motion Pictures Festival in the United States.
The Chronicle noted that the film was recognized for its originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling impact among a competitive pool of global entries.
Now, with a nomination at TINFF in Canada, Vibes The Movie continues its remarkable journey from the streets of Accra to some of the world’s most respected film platforms.
The nomination underscores the growing global appreciation for authentic African stories and confirms that Ghanaian filmmakers are making a significant mark in international cinema.
As Vibes The Movie flies the Black Star high in Toronto, Ghana celebrates yet another cultural achievement that showcases the country’s talent, resilience, and storytelling excellence to the world
A prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has broken silence on the deep-seated internal machinations within the party, warning that the continuous victimization of members could severely jeopardize unity ahead of the general elections.
In a post on the party’s internal democratic processes, the former National Entrpreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) boss, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah revealed how personal ambitions were stifled by party elites in the Asante Akyem Central constituency, despite overwhelming grassroots support.
According to the aggrieved party member, the decision to run for the parliamentary seat was not a self-serving agenda but a direct response to a call to service by the local constituents.
“My Asante Akyem Central people loved my politics and approached me to come and serve them as MP,” he stated.
He added that “But my own party elders blocked me and supported the incumbent MP to cheat through the system as if I was an outsider.”
The unfair playing field he revealed led to a massive financial distress. The stalwart disclosed incurring massive debts across two consecutive primary election cycles, alongside other personal challenges.
Despite the systemic sabotage, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah noted that he remained loyal, continuously defending both the NPP party and the government’s policies at all levels.
“Seeing what’s going on in the current polling station elections in several constituencies, it seems not much has changed,” he warned.
“The victimization of those who want to challenge current or former MPs should stop,” he stated.
With the general elections approaching, he cautioned,”You don’t treat party people anyhow and expect unconditional unity for the general elections.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
