Schoolchildren in Accra have added their voices to the growing campaign for the Atewa Forest Reserve to be granted National Park status, appealing directly to President John Dramani Mahama to strengthen protection for the forest.
The pupils of Cuddle Bliss Montessori School in La, Accra, made the appeal during an environmental education and nature engagement programme at the nearby Asanteson Gardens on July 30, 2026.
The children spent time connecting with nature through games and educational activities organised with their teachers and representatives of Eco-Conscious Citizens. The activities focused on the importance of flowers, trees and forests and the role individuals can play in protecting the environment.
“It’s never too early to teach our children about the environment, its importance to us, and our responsibilities to it,” said Awula Serwah, Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens.
Ms. Serwah also introduced the children to the organisation’s #AtewaMatters campaign, which is calling for the Atewa Forest Reserve to be declared a National Park.
According to Eco-Conscious Citizens, National Park status would provide stronger protection for the forest against environmental degradation and other threats.
Atewa is recognised as a globally significant biodiversity area and is also the source of three major rivers that provide water to more than five million people.
The organisation said the call for stronger protection comes at a time when the need to preserve Ghana’s remaining forests is becoming increasingly urgent.
Last month, President Mahama revoked Executive Instrument (EI) 144, which had declassified portions of the Achimota Forest and opened them to potential urban development.
The decision followed appeals from environmental advocates, including Ms. Serwah, as well as the Forestry Commission Board and other stakeholders.
The children used their environmental education session to express appreciation to the President for revoking EI 144 before making their own appeal on Atewa.
In a collective message, the pupils urged President Mahama “to please declare Atewa Forest a National Park.”
Eco-Conscious Citizens said the children’s intervention demonstrates the importance of engaging young people in environmental protection and ensuring that future generations have a voice in decisions affecting Ghana’s natural heritage.
The organisation has encouraged members of the public to support the #AtewaMatters campaign by signing its petition calling for Atewa Forest to be declared a National Park.
