Aburi Botanical Gardens curator held over alleged illegal tree felling

The Akuapem South Municipal Assembly in Ghana’s Eastern Region says two people, including the curator of the Aburi Botanical Gardens, have been arrested over the alleged unauthorised felling of trees at the country’s best-known botanical site.

The arrests follow a wave of public anger after images circulated online appearing to show mature, historic trees being cut down inside the gardens, prompting concerns about the reserve’s biodiversity and heritage value.

In a statement dated 16 January 2026, the Municipal Assembly said the suspects are in police custody while investigations continue.

It said management of the gardens, working with the Ghana Police Service, launched an immediate probe after reports emerged of tree felling at the Aburi Botanical Gardens, which it described as a nationally significant ecological and tourism asset.

“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, Paul Osae Offei, said.

The Assembly said a technical team has been deployed to assess the extent of damage and that a restoration plan is expected to be developed in consultation with the Department of Parks and Gardens in Accra.

A citizen activist, Sam Mante, has urged government authorities, traditional leaders and state institutions to intervene to prevent further destruction, describing the incident as deeply worrying.

The Municipal Assembly appealed for calm and asked the public to allow due process to run its course, while encouraging anyone with credible information to support investigations by contacting the Assembly or the Aburi Police Station.