A Rocha Ghana, an environmental advocacy organization, has raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing destruction of trees along the Atomic-Kwabenya Highway. Apexnewsgh reports
The group is calling on the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) to take immediate action to stop this practice and to embrace more sustainable methods of urban development.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, A Rocha Ghana characterized the tree removals as “indiscriminate” and highlighted the broader implications for the environment. They warned that the continued deforestation poses a severe threat to local biodiversity, exacerbates urban heat, and ultimately leads to long-term ecological damage.
“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 group asserted, emphasizing the need for responsible stewardship of green spaces in urban environments.
A Rocha Ghana advocated for a policy where any tree that is cut down should be replaced with at least two native species in suitable locations, accompanied by strict monitoring protocols to ensure their growth and survival. The organization stressed that sustainable urban development should balance infrastructure advancement with ecological responsibility.
The group referenced a specific instance from the previous year, where two trees were “hurriedly felled” with support from the GAEC to accommodate the establishment of a fuel station near the Maker’s House Chapel. A Rocha questioned how such approval was granted for a development within a sensitive wetland zone situated between the Atomic Police Station and the GAEC entrance.
“This development is very unfortunate and needless. Urban Roads had to pause construction works after public outcry to redesign the road to protect the trees. Now that the plan is set, other agents are going in to deliberately destroy the trees gradually. This is environmental sabotage and shameful,” the statement read.
Furthermore, A Rocha Ghana criticized what they described as a “lazy approach” to urban forestry, where trees are often removed at the slightest perceived risk without taking measures to preserve or manage them properly.
“The health of city residents and the ecological resilience of our urban spaces depend on proactive and progressive forest management. We must act now to prevent further environmental harm,” the organization concluded, imploring stakeholders to prioritize the environment in urban planning.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
