OccupyGhana, a pressure organization, is demanding for the government to suspend Executive Instrument (E.I) 144.
According to the organization, the Achimota Forest Reserve should be the subject of a comprehensive public inquiry.
"We write to demand that you rescind or stop the operation of the Forests (Cessation of Forest Reserve) Instrument, 2022 (EI 144) and the Forests (Achimota Firewood Plantation Forest Reserve) (Amendment) Instrument, 2022 (EI 154) forthwith," the group said in a letter dated May 23, 2022.
"Instead, we demand a comprehensive public enquiry into the question of the Achimota Forest Reserve under Chapter 23 of the Constitution," OccupyGhana stated.
"The investigations' goal would be to undo any unlawful activities and illegitimate benefits committed by government personnel in the name of returning lands."
The Civil Society Organization (CSO) also cited a letter dated May 18, 2022, addressed to Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in which they expressed "vehement disagreement with the alleged plans to return substantial portions of the Achimota Forest Reserve to its former owners."
"We have reason to suspect that the situation is far worse and more widespread than it appears. We are also worried that there could have been major cases of conflict of interest and conflict of duty among government officials and other government players, concerning those lands.”
Background
Ghana has access to page 5 of Sir John's Last Will.
According to Web, the late Forestry Commission CEO, Charles Owusu, and others had already secured sections of the Achimota Forest holdings.
Sir John is therefore gifting his 0.987 acres of Achimota Forest land to his nephews, Michael Owusu, Yaw Boadu, and Kwabena Amoateng, in perpetuity, according to his will.
"I offer my nephews Michael Owusu, Yaw Boadu, and Kwabena Amoateng my land in Achimota Forest in the name of Fasoh Limited, measuring 0.987 acres, permanently."
c"I possess a piece of property at Achimota Forest with Charles Owusu, and my share of the land should be transferred to Ruth Korkor Odonkor upon my death."
"I bequeath my half of the land that I jointly possess in the Achimota Forest in the name of DML Limited to Elizabeth Asare Boateng, who is domiciled in the United States at the time of making this Testament, forever," reads part of Sir John's will.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Holdings and Natural Resources has said it would look into Sir John's reported inclusion of Achimota Forest lands in his will.
The ministry takes "a very serious view of the charges," according to a statement released on Sunday, May 22, 2022. "The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been alerted to a document circulating on social media alleging that Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, the late former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, had included portions of the Achimota Forest in his Will and distributed them to individuals he is said to be related to."
"The Ministry takes the allegations extremely seriously and has sought all documentation pertaining to the disputed areas as part of an initial investigation to determine the authenticity of the claims."
Given that the allegations are based on circumstances that precede the term of the present Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, it is critical that he has all of the information in order to take proper action if the allegations are true.
"The Ministry guarantees the general public and the good people of Ghana that the national interest will always be preserved, particularly in matters relating to the Achimota Forest."