Cabinet Restores Achimota Forest Protection, Bans Ghana Card Photocopying, and Reaffirms Ivorian Border

The Ghanaian government has announced a series of significant policy shifts and regulatory updates, headlined by the full restoration of the Achimota Forest Reserve's protected status and the criminalization of photocopying the Ghana Card for transactions. Announced on July 15, 2026, these measures reflect a coordinated push for environmental conservation, digital security, and territorial integrity. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, and the National Identification Authority (NIA) outlined these changes as critical steps toward safeguarding national assets and modernizing administrative protocols.

In a major environmental victory, the Cabinet has ordered the immediate revocation of Executive Instrument (EI) 144 and its amendment EI 234, effectively returning the Achimota Forest to its original 1927 classification. The 2022 decision to excise 361.5 acres of the forest for redevelopment had sparked significant public outcry and concerns over commercial encroachment. Minister Buah emphasized that this reversal is essential for maintaining Accra's ecological balance and air quality, ensuring the urban forest remains a protected resource for future generations. The move acknowledges the forest's vital environmental contributions and its recreational value for residents of the capital.

Simultaneously, the National Identification Authority (NIA) has enforced strict new rules under the amended National Identity Register Regulations (L.I. 2111). It is now illegal for organizations or individuals to photocopy or visually inspect a Ghana Card for transactions; instead, biometric verification is the only legal method for identity authentication. NIA Executive Secretary Wisdom Kwaku Deku warned that offenders face stiff penalties, with fines for institutions ranging from GH¢6,000 to GH¢24,000, and individuals facing fines up to GH¢6,000. These measures, supported by a directive from the Bank of Ghana, aim to eliminate identity fraud and maintain the integrity of the national identification system.

On the international front, Minister Buah also reported significant progress in securing the nation's frontiers. The Ghana Boundary Commission has successfully reaffirmed 150 kilometers of the land boundary with Côte d’Ivoire, with a target to complete an additional 200 kilometers by the end of 2026. This project, which involved the construction of 37 boundary pillars by the Ghana Armed Forces, marks a transition from historical territorial disputes to a collaborative partnership. Additionally, the government has intensified maritime patrols to protect Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, fostering peaceful coexistence and regional stability with neighboring nations like Burkina Faso.

These collective actions underscore the government's current focus on strengthening the rule of law and protecting national resources. By restoring environmental safeguards, mandating high-security biometric standards, and clarifying international boundaries, the administration aims to create a more secure and sustainable framework for national development. As these new regulations take effect, the NIA has urged all organizations to connect to its verification platform to ensure immediate compliance and avoid the substantial new fines.