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Revocation of EI 144 key to protecting state lands- Solomon Owusu urges government
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Communications Director of the United Party, Solomon Owusu has welcomed cabinet approval to revoke the sale of state lands without an audit.
He stressed that the move will remain incomplete unless Executive Instrument 144 is also revoked.
Speaking in an interview at TV3 , Solomon Owusu, a land economist by profession, argued that EI 144, also known as the Cessation of Forest Act, opened the door for the transfer of protected forest lands to private interests under questionable circumstances.
He explained that the state began acquiring lands in the early post independence period to support national development, including housing for public sector workers such as teachers, nurses and doctors.
According to him, in the past, public servants posted to new areas were assured of accommodation, unlike today when many are left stranded.
Solomon Owusu linked the current housing challenges faced by public workers to the sale of state lands that were originally meant for government estates.
He accused past state actors of greed, noting that lands acquired for public use have been sold off, leaving the government without space to build essential infrastructure.
On the Achimota Forest, Owusu criticised the decision under EI 144 to release portions of the forest, claiming it was done under the false pretext of returning land to original families who had already been compensated.
He insisted that the lands never truly returned to the families but were instead shared among politically connected individuals.
Owusu praised the recent revocation of LI 2462, which allowed mining in forest reserves, describing it as a positive step.
However, he maintained that revoking EI 144 would demonstrate a stronger commitment to environmental protection and national interest.
He warned that the Achimota Forest remains one of the few green spaces providing clean air in the capital and should be fully protected to preserve its flora and fauna.
He raised concerns about the encroachment of prayer camps and other activities within the forest, blaming weak enforcement by the Forestry Commission for driving away wildlife.
He called on President John Mahama to revoke EI 144, arguing that such a decision would resonate strongly with the public and reflect respect for national heritage and future generations.
With Ghana’s population now exceeding 34 million, he stressed that the state needs land more than ever to support housing, public services and large scale investments.
He further alleged that some state lands have been transferred to politically exposed persons and their associates, citing cases involving prime properties previously belonging to state institutions.
Solomon Owusu questioned how comparative land valuations are sometimes ignored to favour individuals, adding that civil servants at the Lands Commission who facilitate such deals must also be held accountable.
He concluded that state lands belong to all citizens and must be preserved and used strictly for national development rather than private gain.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
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MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
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