Felling of trees along the Atomic-Kwabenya highway must cease immediately — A Rocha Ghana

Environmental concerns have resurfaced over the ongoing tree felling along the Atomic-Kwabenya highway, prompting the environmental NGO A Rocha Ghana to demand an immediate halt to the activity by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

In a strongly worded press release today, signed by environmental activist Daryl Bosu, the group condemned the “indiscriminate removal” of trees in what remains one of Accra’s last green corridors.

Bosu warned that continuing to destroy the urban forest cover without a clear and enforceable replanting plan threatens biodiversity, worsens urban heat, and accelerates environmental degradation.

"The felling of trees along the Atomic-Kwabenya highway must cease immediately," the statement declared. "Every removed tree should be replaced with two or more native species in suitable locations, with strict monitoring to ensure their survival."

He highlighted a disturbing incident last year when two mature trees were rapidly cut down to make way for a fuel station near Maker’s House Chapel, a move reportedly supported by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

The station was built in a sensitive wetland area between the Atomic Police Station and the Atomic Energy Commission entrance.

"This development is shocking and deeply unfortunate," Bosu remarked.

He added that while Urban Roads had previously paused construction in response to public concern and redesigned the road to protect the trees, other entities now appear to be gradually destroying them without public notice.

Describing these actions as "environmental sabotage," Bosu criticized what he called a "lazy approach" that removes trees at the first sign of hazard.

He stressed that such practices are neither sustainable nor wise for managing urban forests or promoting public health.

Bosu called for a more proactive, ecologically responsible strategy to urban development—one that balances infrastructure growth with environmental preservation.

The statement has heightened demands on city planners and government agencies to prioritize sustainable development and safeguard the remaining green spaces in Ghana’s rapidly expanding capital.