The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has assured that the government will undertake concrete measures to ensure proper preservation of the country's natural resources to preserve the environment and generate revenue for the economy.
Making reference to particularly the once vibrant Aburi Botanical Gardens, Mr Addo explained that the garden held deep cultural, ecological and tourism value, and must be safeguarded as part of Ghana’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the Akuapem Adonten Odwira Festival in Aburi in the Eastern Region last Saturday, the minister stated that the gardens had been listed for engagement by the Duke of Edinburgh during its upcoming visit to Ghana, an evidence of the site’s international significance.
“The government acknowledges the urgent need to upgrade, protect and preserve the Aburi Botanical Gardens, one of Ghana’s iconic and environmental and tourism landmark and our natural resource across the country.
“I strongly believe this is one of the reasons the garden is on the schedule of the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Ghana in the next two weeks,” he stated.
The festival
The festival marked the 37th anniversary of Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II as Aburihene and Adontenhene of Akuapem.
Chaired by the Nkosouhene of Kwahu-Nkwatia, Nana Owiredu Wadie, the festival was on the theme: “Our culture, our environment, our future,” highlighting the path ahead, reminding the youth that culture is not only what they inherited, but also what they are responsible for protecting, practising, and passing on to future generations.
The colourful event, was characterised by the firing of muskets, blowing of horns, chanting of war songs and artistic dance moves portraying the rich culture of the people of Aburi.
It brought together chiefs, government officials, including the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku; Municipal Chief Executive officer of the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly, Paul Osae Offei; and the Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, Lawrencia Adwoa Dziwornu, and the citizenry.
National treasure
The Youth Development and Empowerment Minister stated that the garden was a national environmental treasure that must be protected for future generations.
Mr Addo assured the chiefs and people of Aburi that their concerns about the declining state of the facility would be fully conveyed to the Ministry of Local Government.
With environmental preservation as a core pillar of Ghana’s cultural heritage, he stressed that rivers, forests, sacred lands and natural reserves remained integral to the country’s identity and must be treated with reverence.
The minister further stated that programmes such as the upcoming One Child, One Tree initiative would ensure that young people became active stewards of Ghana’s natural resources.
The assurance was met with applause from traditional leaders and residents, who have long called for a comprehensive restoration of the gardens — a landmark that attracts thousands of tourists annually and serves as a living archive of Ghana’s botanical richness.
Concerns
Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II appealed to the government to rehabilitate the garden to meet international standards.
“Our main concerns over the years have been the upgrading of the gardens that is yet to receive the desired support and our road network from Adamorobe to Aburi and from Kwabenya through Brekuso to Kitase.
“The poor nature of the Ofankor to Nsawam road under construction has forced a diversion for some drivers through Aburi to Nsawam. This also has impacted negatively that stretch of road, therefore needs remedial measures,” he said.
1 Borga, 1 town
The Akuapem South MP explained that by next year, the “one borga, one town” initiative—which sought to sponsor one person from each community to study abroad while supporting local students with extra classes—would be fully delivered.
