Mr. President, stop the destruction of Achimota forest!

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Ben, Tadi 12 years ago

Accra is semi arid; destroy all forest in and around Accra and Accra will become a desert. What is our problem.

Accra is semi arid; destroy all forest in and around Accra and Accra will become a desert. What is our problem.
Facts 12 years ago

I recall when the area we call ' North Dzorwulu'..Fiesta Royal, Sam's Cottage etc.. were all part of the Achimota forest.. Looking at it Mr. Ndoum, I believe that the destruction is eminent because the nature of the land grab ...
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I recall when the area we call ' North Dzorwulu'..Fiesta Royal, Sam's Cottage etc.. were all part of the Achimota forest.. Looking at it Mr. Ndoum, I believe that the destruction is eminent because the nature of the land grabbing going on is just unbelievable! I mean plots of land next to the runway have all been fenced..AND PERMITS given by the assembly for these walls to be built..Surely it couldn't be opponents of this government 'mastering courage' to build on perceived government lands..Nkrumah opened up Kanda, Ringway, Labone. Busia opened up Odorkor, Nima, Kokomelmle, Asylum down. Acheampong opened up Dzorwulu, land re-demarcation of Labone, East Cantonment, North Dzorwulu, parts of the Achimota Forest, Dansoman. Rawlings and NDC..Ridge, North Legon, Cantonments, Ofankor, Taifa, Mandela, Kasoa etc so it's a cycle..
Isaac Kusi, Bronx, NY. 12 years ago

Amid the sky scrapers of New York city lies a reserved green park called Central Park. It houses a restaurant, a lake, water reservoir, Famous Strawberry field, named after John Lennon of the Beatles, Rumsfield playfield whe ...
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Amid the sky scrapers of New York city lies a reserved green park called Central Park. It houses a restaurant, a lake, water reservoir, Famous Strawberry field, named after John Lennon of the Beatles, Rumsfield playfield where free summer musical concerts are held, The Great Lawn for larger open concerts. This is a huge tourist attraction as well. Many years ago, it had a zoo. There are so many parks in the city of New York. There is one in Brooklyn called Prospect Park, a couple in the Bronx, Crotona and Van Cortlandt. So many of them dotted in this city that makes it beautiful. Ghana can do the same and preserve Achimota forest. I think, when our leaders come to visit New York, they should be taken to these parks so they can appreciate afforestation and the beauty of parks in the city.
Facts 12 years ago

Mr. Kusi, thanks for sharing, yes I saw central park in the 70s. I can assure you that almost ALL of our leaders have been to Central Park...I can promise you that creation of parks as the types you see in Scandinavia, Europe ...
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Mr. Kusi, thanks for sharing, yes I saw central park in the 70s. I can assure you that almost ALL of our leaders have been to Central Park...I can promise you that creation of parks as the types you see in Scandinavia, Europe and Southern African countries can be difficult here because of attitude..In Abuja, there is a beautiful park..but it's fenced. Why? Because we are destructive. Achimota forest is to be left JUST AS IT IS.
Peter K. Osei, Old Achimotan, New Yor 12 years ago

What is your analysis of previous governments opening up those lands for development leading up to with reference to the imminent opening up of the Achimota Forest Reserve? Remember Achimota Forest Reserve is a legal reserved ...
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What is your analysis of previous governments opening up those lands for development leading up to with reference to the imminent opening up of the Achimota Forest Reserve? Remember Achimota Forest Reserve is a legal reserved area unlike those areas you have mentioned. A forest reserve is so set aside for ecological values which transcends individual personal interests and political affiliations. Our children must be left this precious jewel.
Marcus Garvey 12 years ago

I have travelled to over 35 countries and have seen safari parks in South Africa,Kenya,Tanzania,England and many many more. The plan for the forest is a laudable one,this article shows that this writer does not really under ...
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I have travelled to over 35 countries and have seen safari parks in South Africa,Kenya,Tanzania,England and many many more. The plan for the forest is a laudable one,this article shows that this writer does not really understand or has even bothered to view the development plan before writing this article. As a native from an accra royal family living out of ghana for 35 years I highly support this project which aims to protect and preserve the forest whilst boosting tourist numbers and attracting visitors for recreational purposes. We should resist all hose that try to put an negative spin to this project. Accra has no major recreational activity for children or families,efua Sutherland is a sad example of a children's park,all the amusements are obsolete and dangerous to the children who have no choice than to play there. It's my prayer that accra generates thousands of employment through propose project,anyone in doubt should try and view propose plan before rushing or following some of our leaders who only seek to mislead the ignorant masses whilst having done nothing with their empty leadership but having only enriched themselves.
Afrakuma 12 years ago

Marcus Garvey, you are the one who needs to go back and read about Achimota Firest and the reasons why it was left as a forest. You take rain fir granted when we have rain. In developed countries, you cannot even fell a tree ...
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Marcus Garvey, you are the one who needs to go back and read about Achimota Firest and the reasons why it was left as a forest. You take rain fir granted when we have rain. In developed countries, you cannot even fell a tree in your own compound without legal authority. Utterances of people lije you to support politicians and ones own personal agenda, including this that benefit your families or little community without concern for our nation is the reason why Ghana is in a MESS now! Mr. President heed to the advise in the article and save as from famine and deprivation one day . Why turn Greenland into the miserable bare land in some unfortunate Afrucan countries, do we not see the UNESCO photos of starving children! We are supposed to be an intelligent people but our selfishness is SICKENING, and this cancer begins in all politicians in power!
C.Y. ANDY-K 12 years ago

First of all, a big congrats Paa Kwesi for taking up this issue. When I first read that the Achimota Forest Reserve shall be developed for religious retreats, my heart sank and I recollected the outcry some of us raised again ...
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First of all, a big congrats Paa Kwesi for taking up this issue. When I first read that the Achimota Forest Reserve shall be developed for religious retreats, my heart sank and I recollected the outcry some of us raised against the NPP's plan to "develop" the same forest.

The infernal plot of these savages pretending to be civilised to yet again encroached upon the one piece of forested land left in Accra and turn it into a degraded pleasure park must be opposed by all civilised people.

There are two forms of managed forested areas in cities in civilised countries. One is the common one like Hyde Park and all those with well mowed grounds. The other is like a forest reserve where the grass is not mowed and trees grow wildly and only have foot tracks in them. Both serve different purposes. Achimota Forest Reserve falls in this second category and MUST BE LEFT as such.

Can the govt show us what they have done with the first category of park in Accra and hence come up with this diabolical plan to turn the Achimota Forest Reserve into the same?

Ken Kuranchie came from prison and pronounced that Ghanaians are not civilised - something I knew all along as a kid - but the extent to which some claiming to be our leaders thanks to modern politics are displaying their uncivilised attitudes, ways and actions is just too much!

STOP THIS GROSS ENCROACHMENT, PRESIDENT MAHAMA!

Andy-K
Marcus Garvey 12 years ago

Afrakuma,this project seeks not to destroy the achimota forest but to preserve its beauty whilst enabling those in and out of the city to enjoy ghana,s rainforest. One reader has already talked of Central Park this only one e ...
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Afrakuma,this project seeks not to destroy the achimota forest but to preserve its beauty whilst enabling those in and out of the city to enjoy ghana,s rainforest. One reader has already talked of Central Park this only one example accra needs to offer more recreational facilities. The project does not seek to fell trees or interfere with natural habitat. As a avid conservationist the wildlife and tropical plants must be maintained and indeed protected for future generations to see. I suggest you view the development plan before drawing further conclusions.
Okoe 12 years ago

IF YOU HAVE ANY DEVELOPMENT PLAN, SHOW IT TO THE PUBLIC AND LET THEM BE THE JUDGE. LEAVE IT AS IT IS. YES WE HAVE DISNEY AND THE REST BUT THIS LOCATION IS DIFFERENT. JUST LEAVE IT AS IT IS. WHATEVER YOU INTEND TO DO CANNOT BE ...
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IF YOU HAVE ANY DEVELOPMENT PLAN, SHOW IT TO THE PUBLIC AND LET THEM BE THE JUDGE. LEAVE IT AS IT IS. YES WE HAVE DISNEY AND THE REST BUT THIS LOCATION IS DIFFERENT. JUST LEAVE IT AS IT IS. WHATEVER YOU INTEND TO DO CANNOT BEAT WHAT NATURE HAS PROVIDED. WE MAY NOT HAVE SAFARI PARK BUT WE LIKE IT AS IT IS. LEAVE IT ALONE PERIOD. FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE. WE ARE NOT STUPID ANYMORE.

Egya 12 years ago

Don't kid yourself. Go and take a look what they have done to the Ridge Park and tell us someone has a good plan for us. Or go to Mole National Park, etc. The amusement park should be put somewhere else not in Achimota For ...
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Don't kid yourself. Go and take a look what they have done to the Ridge Park and tell us someone has a good plan for us. Or go to Mole National Park, etc. The amusement park should be put somewhere else not in Achimota Forest.
Kweku Boateng Jnr. 12 years ago

Thank you for this constructive piece. Mole is under serious threat. Hope the northern regional minister is reading this piece. He must act now.We need to defend all parks, we need more trees. Lets learn from Burkina Faso, wh ...
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Thank you for this constructive piece. Mole is under serious threat. Hope the northern regional minister is reading this piece. He must act now.We need to defend all parks, we need more trees. Lets learn from Burkina Faso, where there is a systematic policy to have more trees. Mr. President, we need our own Hyde Park in Accra.
Honestman 12 years ago

Dear Mr. Kweku Boateng, what kind of threat is facing the Mole National Park that require the intervention of the N. Regional minister? Come clear because no Ghanaian know issues concerning the Mole National Park more than me ...
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Dear Mr. Kweku Boateng, what kind of threat is facing the Mole National Park that require the intervention of the N. Regional minister? Come clear because no Ghanaian know issues concerning the Mole National Park more than me and I can't think of the threat you are alluding to. We must be careful we don't peddle falsehood especially on important national asset such as Ghana's premier and most prestigious park. Management and staff of the park are doing a lot in the facing very challenging circumstances to protect the park against abuses; mostly poaching and as such need to be commended rather than such disturbing comments. I challenge anybody claiming that there is logging going on in Mole to prove the allegation.

When the false alarm was first raised by the Daily Guide newspaper, a story put out there by a desk journalist based in Tamale (who never visited Mole and never talked to any park staff, the 2012 Journalist of the year (Manasseh Azure) visited the park to verify the story. Manasseh after the visit reported his findings on Joy FM for all to listen. TV Africa also followed up on the Daily Guide story and did not find a single tree fell in the Mole National Park. Their finding was aired on their airwaves. Mole is not a political tool to for any loose talker to start playing with. People who know very little about the park should stop making negative comments about the park. Thanks
Egya 12 years ago

We support this motion. Mr. President, listen and put brakes on this idea. NDC 1 tried, NPP 1 tried. You must stop this.

We support this motion. Mr. President, listen and put brakes on this idea. NDC 1 tried, NPP 1 tried. You must stop this.
Paul Amuna 12 years ago

Paa Kwesi Ndoum makes a passionate point about "preserving" the "Achimota Forest" but I wonder which "forest" he is referring to? For your information, the so-called "Achimota Forest" was DESTROYED more than 40 years ago. Sin ...
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Paa Kwesi Ndoum makes a passionate point about "preserving" the "Achimota Forest" but I wonder which "forest" he is referring to? For your information, the so-called "Achimota Forest" was DESTROYED more than 40 years ago. Since the early 1970s when my family moved to settle in the Kisseiman Area, we have witnessed the systematic destruction of what was once a thriving semi-decidious overgrowth along the corridor from Maamobi (Kawu kudi junction, around the Railway / electricity sub-station) area all along the (now Tetteh-Quarshie dual carriage), along the so-called "Forest Reserve" (around the Achimota School Police station), all the way down to the strip between GIMPA (Greenhill) and Legon campus.

Human development, starting with the 'creation of residential areas like Dzorwulu), the dual carriage etc. have been part of the changes. These areas now boast expensive hotels and the likes of Nestle's HQ in Ghana.

Interestingly the Forestry Department which used to have control over these lands had to move its own HQ to an area opposite GIMPA at Kisseiman (now so-called West Legon) where even they had to cut down trees and what had remained of this 'forest'. Now we have anew corridor behind GIMPA, linking up with the airport area where remnants of this 'forest' remained.

So, Paa Kwesi, don't you think it is rather late in the day for you to be calling for a non-existent "forest" to be "SAVED" by the President? How exactly does Dr Ndoum expect the president to achieve this goal? Perhaps he would care to give us some ideas as to how to practically "save" the "Achimota Forest".

Shall we start by taking back all the land and destroying all the structures covering the original area of the forest? Admittedly the situation has got worse over the decades and 'big business' including foreign 'investors' have found a way to acquire these lands for their own selfish interests without caring much about the environment.

Whilst this is a pity and the whole denegration of the once thriving Achimota Forest is a national disgrace and regretful for those of us who have grown up in the area and used to 'play' there and 'compete' with green tree snakes for fruits in the forest(and occasionally compete with vipers and pythons for hares and other rodents)I'm afraid it is too late to save it and Paa Kwesi Ndoum with all due respect, should know better than to be calling on the president to "do something" about a forest which is long gone and practically is non-existent. That is simply the truth and sad as it is, we have to learn to accept it.
Peter K. Osei, Akora, New York 12 years ago

"Nea mmo adi no mmo ndi nko, nea aka no yebebo ho ban" So goes the saying in Akan: What they have eaten already is gone, the rest we shall preserve it. Thanks for the history but it is not too late for Paa Kwesi to plead with ...
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"Nea mmo adi no mmo ndi nko, nea aka no yebebo ho ban" So goes the saying in Akan: What they have eaten already is gone, the rest we shall preserve it. Thanks for the history but it is not too late for Paa Kwesi to plead with the President to halt the development in the making to turn the rest into a park.
ACHIMOTA KOOTSE 12 years ago

Peter,Y3 da wu ase pii. It is time for all Akoras to rise up and put an ignoble end to this foolishness.

Peter,Y3 da wu ase pii. It is time for all Akoras to rise up and put an ignoble end to this foolishness.
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

tHANKS

tHANKS
Marcus Garvey 12 years ago

Paa kwesi should be raising other issues to do with the environment,sanitation and the urban sprawl impact on rural areas with no green belts etc. He seems totally clueless and does not seem to have an intelligent support of ...
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Paa kwesi should be raising other issues to do with the environment,sanitation and the urban sprawl impact on rural areas with no green belts etc. He seems totally clueless and does not seem to have an intelligent support of this article. Unfortunately most of us do not read or take the time to investigate issues there is a zoning plan which he should begin by seeing as it seeks to preserve the foreset rather.
Honestman 12 years ago

Hello Dr. Ghanaians irrespective of their political inclination are proud of you for your passion for the environment and entrepreneurial skills and achievements. And with this huge clout around you, whatever information you ...
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Hello Dr. Ghanaians irrespective of their political inclination are proud of you for your passion for the environment and entrepreneurial skills and achievements. And with this huge clout around you, whatever information you put out there in the public domain is considered as the gospel truth. I know the Mole National Park than any other person living in Ghana! The allegation put out there by some media houses to the effect that Mole National Park was being logged by combined collaboration of Chinese and Ghanaian timber companies were completely false! What the authors of those false stories saw and did was the salvage felling that was carried out along the Fufulso - Sawla highway to pave way for the construction of that road, and as you may be aware the stretch of the road from Larabanga to a village called Grupe (about 40 km) share boundary with the Mole National Park. The cutting was within 30m from the centre of the road and please be informed that a staff of the park was attached to the contractor (Savannah Investment Gh Ltd;) to supper, monitor and ensure that the contractor did not stray into the park. Admittedly, at the same time, destructive logging of rosewood was taking place in several areas around the park, to the extent that the loggers strayed into a parcel of land acquired by the Forestry Commission for the development a wildlife school and an air strip. The loggers were arrested and their equipment including a tractor were seized in April this year and are still in the custody of the park authorities. The matter is currently before a Tamale High court.

Again, Dr. Nduom, Today newspaper, which I understand is owned by you carried a news item claiming that there were no Lions remaining in the Mole National Park, which was shocking! I just can't imagine how the writer or the newspaper arrived at that conclusion if it did not carry out a scientific study on the subject or curled the story from a scientific or management authority?! What is even surprising was that barely a week before that publication, you personally hosted Mr. David Kpelle, the Commercial Development Manager of the Wildlife Division who a heard categorically in your live interview say that lions in Mole have become rare and threatened and that even though they do occur, they are hardly seen by tourists, due to their small numbers and a shrink in their distribution and home range.

As for the threat on the Achimota Forest, Ankasa and Bui National Parks, I will leave that to the appropriate authorities to respond.

Thank you all the same for the good works especially in the area of environmental conservation

Whatever 12 years ago

Protect out forest

Protect out forest
KOOLO SAASE 12 years ago

WHO THE FUCK IS THIS MARCUS GARVEY IMPOSTER?IT IS OBVIOUS THAT ONLY IGNORANT LOUD MOUTHS WHO WILL WRITE SUCH NONSENSE. ALL THOSE WHO MESS WITH THE ACHIMOTA FOREST HAVE A VERY FIERY DRUM FULL OF SHIT COMING THEIR WAY.

WHO THE FUCK IS THIS MARCUS GARVEY IMPOSTER?IT IS OBVIOUS THAT ONLY IGNORANT LOUD MOUTHS WHO WILL WRITE SUCH NONSENSE. ALL THOSE WHO MESS WITH THE ACHIMOTA FOREST HAVE A VERY FIERY DRUM FULL OF SHIT COMING THEIR WAY.

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Mr. President, stop the destruction of Achimota forest!

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