Some pastors and Christian groups have raised concerns over increased charges for prayer activities at the Achimota Forest, describing the new fees as excessive and likely to discourage worshippers from using the forest for spiritual retreats.
According to the groups, the entry fee for adults has increased from GH¢1 to GH¢10, while children aged three years and above are now required to pay GH¢5 to access the forest for prayer activities.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana United Pastors Association, Prophet Samuel Asare, said the association had petitioned the Forestry Commission to review the revised charges.
“We have petitioned the Forestry Commission to reconsider the new fees because they are discouraging many Christians from coming to the forest for prayers,” he said.
According to Prophet Asare, the Commission explained that the revised charges were based on fees recently approved by Parliament, leaving officials with little flexibility to alter them.
He expressed concern that the increase could reduce patronage and ultimately affect government revenue, arguing that many worshippers may be unable or unwilling to pay the new rates.
The association noted that more than 200 pastors regularly organise prayer retreats at the forest with members of their congregations and said the previous GH¢1 charge made the facility more accessible to worshippers.
Prophet Asare also pointed out that the Forestry Commission has designated about 120 prayer porches within the forest for religious activities, adding that maintaining affordable fees would encourage greater use of the facility.
“We will continue to engage the authorities until these charges are reviewed,” he stated.
Meanwhile, revenue collectors at the forest said that some worshippers who travelled long distances were unaware of the revised fees.
They said such visitors were allowed entry on the day but were informed that the new charges would apply during subsequent visits.
The Christian groups are calling on the Forestry Commission to reconsider the fee structure to ensure that the forest remains accessible for religious activities while balancing its conservation and maintenance needs.
