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Environmental advocacy group, A Rocha Ghana, has strongly condemned the ongoing felling of trees along the Atomic-Kwabenya Highway, urging the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) and other relevant authorities to halt the practice immediately and prioritize environmentally sustainable development.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, A Rocha Ghana described the activity as “indiscriminate” and warned of its consequences—including loss of biodiversity, heightened urban temperatures, and long-term ecological degradation.
“The felling of trees along the Atomic-Kwabenya highway must cease immediately. A clear, enforceable plan for replanting and maintaining green cover is essential,” the statement read.
The group proposed that any trees removed should be replaced with at least two native species, with monitoring systems established to ensure their survival. They emphasized the need to balance infrastructure development with ecological preservation.
A Rocha Ghana cited a troubling incident from the previous year, where two trees were hastily cut down to make way for a fuel station near the Maker’s House Chapel, within a wetland zone. The group questioned how such a project received approval and labelled the incident as an example of poor environmental oversight.
“Urban Roads had to pause construction works after public outcry to redesign the road to protect the trees. Now other agents are returning to finish what was paused. This is environmental sabotage and shameful,” the statement said.
Describing current urban forestry efforts as “lazy,” A Rocha Ghana urged authorities to implement progressive policies that safeguard green spaces for future generations.
“The health of city residents and the ecological resilience of our urban spaces depend on proactive and progressive forest management,” the group concluded, calling for immediate action to prevent further environmental harm.
