The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Ms Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, has inaugurated a 10-member project implementation committee to oversee the transformation of the Achimota Forest into a first class ecotourism facility.
The committee is expected to provide technical and managerial direction as well as supervision for the implementation of the Accra Eco-Park project.
The Forestry Commission has already advertised seeking interest from credible lead investors to partner it in the development of the $323-million Accra eco-park project.
Ms Asamoah said the project would help safeguard the ecological integrity of the Achimota forest, which had suffered encroachment and unauthorised developments.
Records show that the forest which initially covered an area of 500 hectares has been reduced to 360 hectares due to encroachment for construction of settlements and roads, and as dumping sites for various waste materials.
She urged members to perform their task with fairness, transparency, professionalism, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Ms Asamoah said the committee must also ensure appropriate stakeholder engagement, education and awareness creation and to provide timely advice to the Project Oversight Committee on all matters relevant for the project implementation.
Mr Samuel Afari Dartey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, said the Forestry Commission would carry out the project development in a transparent manner.
He said the Commission has so far received six proposals from Lead Development Partners that would enter into public-private partnership arrangement with the Commission to undertake the development project.
Mr Dartey said the next step would be to constitute an evaluation team to assess the submissions in a transparent manner.
He said the project, which will be completed in five years, would offer recreational, environmental and economic benefits as well as create employment.
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