The Achimota Forest as it is known today may soon disappear. It is to be replaced by what officials call an amusement Park which will have restaurants, zones for general advertising, parking lots, drive safari and commercial enclaves.
Strangely, officials describe this transformation of the forest as environmentally friendly.
It is estimated to cost US$322,434 million and implementation will last three years.
The question is how can the cutting down of the only forest belt in Accra to make way for hotels, shopping malls and restaurants be environmentally friendly?
Ms. Barbara Serwaa Asamoah Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources swears that �the project is financially viable, economically sound and environmentally sustainable.�
The snag is that the environmental assessment test for the project has not been completed.
According to issue number 17 of �The Insider� newsletter of the Forestry Commission -�after the project has passed the environmental assessment test, most of the developments within the eco-tourism park would be financed through public-private partnership.
The question arises - who may the private partners be?
Ms. Asamoah is more than flowery when she talks about the benefits of this project - �it will contribute towards the creation of jobs, business development and enhance tourism and the hospitality industry in Ghana.�
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, is himself overawed by the project.
He says the Achimoa Forest, �will be developed into an Eco-tourism show piece, taking into consideration the environmental impact assessment of the situation.�
This is incredible. Isn�t it?
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