"This is environmental sabotage" – A Rocha Ghana slams tree felling on Atomic-Kwabenya highway

A Rocha Ghana, an environmental advocacy group, has condemned tree cutting along the Atomic-Kwabenya Highway in Accra. They call it “environmental sabotage” that threatens the city’s green cover.

In a press statement on May 20, the group urged the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission to stop the tree removal. They also demanded a clear plan for replanting and maintaining vegetation in the area.

The statement highlighted that removing trees without proper care leads to environmental harm. This includes increased urban heat and loss of biodiversity.

A Rocha Ghana insisted that if trees are removed, they should be replaced with two or more native species. Strict monitoring is necessary to ensure these new trees survive.

The organization emphasized that sustainable urban development must balance infrastructure and ecological responsibility. The Atomic-Kwabenya tree arcade is one of the few remaining green spaces in Accra.

They expressed concern over a trend to eliminate these trees under development pretenses. Last year, two trees were cut down near Maker’s House Chapel for a fuel station construction.

This action allegedly had support from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. A Rocha noted that Urban Roads paused construction after public outcry to protect the trees.

Now, they claim other agents are moving in to destroy more trees gradually. They labeled this as environmental sabotage and called it shameful.

A Rocha Ghana criticized what they termed “a lazy approach” to tree removal at minor hazards. They urged city planners and public agencies to adopt proactive strategies for urban forest maintenance.

The statement concluded by calling for more proactive measures to prevent unnecessary damage in the future.