The Akuapem South Municipal Assembly in Eastern Region has confirmed the arrest of two individuals, including the Curator of the Aburi Botanical Gardens, for their alleged involvement in the unauthorized felling of trees at the tourist gardens.
The arrest follows outrage on social media after alarming images emerged showing historic trees being felled within the gardens.
The development has raised fears about the safety of the forest reserve, its biodiversity, and its long-standing heritage significance to both Ghana and the people of Okuapeman.
A Citizen activist, Mr. Sam Mante, has been vocal in condemning the act, calling on government authorities, traditional leaders, and relevant state institutions to urgently intervene to safeguard the gardens from further destruction.
In a press release dated January 16, 2026, the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly said the suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue into the incident, which has triggered widespread public concern and media attention.
According to the Assembly, management, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, initiated immediate investigations following reports that trees had been felled at the Aburi Botanical Gardens, a nationally recognized ecological and tourism heritage site.
“The Assembly assures the general public that comprehensive investigations are actively ongoing and that persons found culpable will face the full rigours of the law,” the statement, signed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Paul Osae Offei, noted.
The Assembly emphasized that the Aburi Botanical Gardens remains a treasured ecological, cultural, and tourism asset that must be preserved for present and future generations.
A technical team has since been deployed to assess the extent of damage caused, while a restoration plan is expected to be developed in consultation with the Department of Parks and Gardens in Accra.
“The Aburi Botanical Gardens is a treasured part of Ghana and Okuapeman’s heritage. This wanton destruction is deeply worrying and must be stopped immediately,” he stated.
The Municipal Assembly has appealed to the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, while encouraging anyone with credible information to assist the investigations by contacting the Assembly or the Aburi Police Station.
