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

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has defended its decision to fell several trees along the Atomic-Kwabenya Road, citing public safety and infrastructural concerns as the primary motivation behind the exercise.

The Commission’s response follows a press statement issued by environmental advocacy group A ROCHA Ghana on May 20, 2025, expressing concern over the tree removal.

In a statement signed by Anthony Nana Boateng, Director of GAEC’s Commercialization and Communication Directorate, the Commission emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and was based on a thorough risk assessment and multi-agency consultation.

According to GAEC, many of the trees, some over 50 years old, had become weakened by erosion and extreme weather, with exposed roots and oversized branches posing a serious risk to motorists and nearby infrastructure.

In 2024, several trees and branches were uprooted during storms, damaging vehicles and creating dangerous gullies along the road.

“This led to a stakeholder meeting in June 2024 involving the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ga-East Municipal Assembly, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Forestry Commission, and the Ghana Police Service,” the statement noted.

Following the meeting, a joint audit by GAEC and the Forestry Commission was conducted to identify hazardous trees. Permission was then granted to remove eight Mahogany trees, six Leucaena trees, and prune 43 others, under strict supervision and guidelines issued by the Forestry Commission.

The felling exercise, conducted on May 20, 2025, was funded by ECG. GAEC has assured the public that all removed trees will be replaced in line with Forestry Commission directives.

“GAEC will not sanction any indiscriminate felling of trees now or in the future within its catchment area,” the statement said, highlighting the Commission’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Commission added that it remains a strong supporter of national green initiatives and has actively participated in past Green Ghana campaigns, planting hundreds of trees in collaboration with the Forestry Commission.

GAEC also expressed its readiness to work with A ROCHA Ghana and other stakeholders to enhance the green cover in and around the Commission’s enclave.

“We share in the commitment of well-meaning institutions to sustainable urban development and will continue to engage constructively for a greener future,” the statement concluded.