Tree felling along Atomic-Kwabenya road necessary to protect lives — GAEC

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has defended its tree removal along the Atomic-Kwabenya Road. They cited public safety and infrastructure concerns as the main reasons.

This response follows a statement from environmental group A ROCHA Ghana on May 20, 2025. The group expressed worries about the tree removal.

Anthony Nana Boateng, GAEC’s Director of Commercialization and Communication, signed the statement. He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly. It followed a thorough risk assessment and consultations with multiple agencies.

GAEC noted that many trees were over 50 years old. Erosion and extreme weather had weakened them. Exposed roots and oversized branches posed risks to motorists and nearby infrastructure.

In 2024, storms uprooted several trees and branches. This caused damage to vehicles and created dangerous gullies along the road. A stakeholder meeting took place in June 2024 involving various organizations.

Participants included NADMO, Ga-East Municipal Assembly, ECG, Forestry Commission, and Ghana Police Service. After this meeting, GAEC and the Forestry Commission conducted a joint audit to identify hazardous trees.

They received permission to remove eight Mahogany trees, six Leucaena trees, and prune 43 others under strict guidelines from the Forestry Commission. The felling exercise occurred on May 20, 2025, funded by ECG.

GAEC assured the public that all removed trees will be replaced according to Forestry Commission directives. They stated they will not allow indiscriminate tree felling now or in the future.

The Commission highlighted its commitment to environmental sustainability. GAEC supports national green initiatives and has participated in past Green Ghana campaigns by planting hundreds of trees with the Forestry Commission.

They expressed readiness to collaborate with A ROCHA Ghana and other stakeholders for better green cover around their area. GAEC shares a commitment to sustainable urban development for a greener future.