A Rocha got it wrong for criticising tree felling exercise to protect lives on Atomic-Kwabenya road – GAEC

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has responded to criticism from environmental group A Rocha Ghana over the recent felling of trees along the Atomic-Kwabenya road, stating its strong commitment to environmental protection and climate action.

The controversy began after GAEC cut down trees along the roadside, citing the need to protect motorists and nearby high-tension electricity cables. The Commission had obtained official approval from the Forestry Services Division to fell eight mahogany and six Leucaena trees deemed hazardous.

A Rocha Ghana, however, condemned the move, warning that it jeopardized the environmental integrity of a vital green corridor in Accra. In a statement issued on May 20, 2025, the group said, “This development is very unfortunate and needless,” noting that a previous road project in the area had been redesigned to preserve the trees following public backlash.

“The lazy approach of cutting down trees at the slightest hazard is not prudent or progressive for urban forest maintenance and the health of people living in our cities,” the group added.

Responding to the concerns, Nana Boateng, Director for Commercialisation and Communication at GAEC, said A Rocha Ghana’s position was based on a misunderstanding.

“The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has no interest in deforestation or cutting down trees. If you come into our environment here, the whole Ga East we are the greenest area. If you look at our office space, you could see beautiful trees and plants. Aside that, we are also researchers, and we research into trees and plants as well.

So, I think they have gotten it wrong. We will try and reach out to them to explain things to them so they understand that this is about life and death,” he told TV3.

Mr. Boateng emphasized that the tree removal was done in consultation with the Forestry Commission, which provided guidance to ensure the process was carried out responsibly. He also assured that the felled trees would be replaced with safer, non-threatening species to preserve the greenbelt.

“Our interest is to continue to green our environment and protect our environment. We are climate advocates and also environmental advocates. Our interest rather is to protect the environment and to save the climate,” he said.

A Rocha Ghana also criticized the earlier removal of two trees to make way for a fuel station on the same stretch. But Mr. Boateng clarified that GAEC had no connection to that development.

“The area around the filling station does not belong to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission; it's a private property. So, they have to speak to the private owners to know the reason for siting it there,” he explained.