University of Ghana wins legal tussle over Legon Botanical Gardens

The University of Ghana has announced that the managers of the Legon Botanical Gardens will cease to be in charge effective November 30.

Though owned by the university, the gardens, a recreational centre, has been co-managed by the Department of Botany and Mulch Company Limited, formerly Pine Springs Company Limited.

Last Friday, the managers of the gardens, Mulch Company Limited, announced through a tweet on X, which suggested that the Botanical Gardens was closing down on October 30, but the post did not say if the shutdown was permanent or temporary.

However, in setting the records straight, last Saturday, the university in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, said the contractual agreement between the two parties would cease to be effective by November 30, 2024.

The statement gave the assurance that the facility would reopen to the public once some repair works and renovations have been undertaken.

“Following a period of repairs and renovations, the Botanical Gardens will reopen to the public, for the intended purpose as a vital green zone,” the Director of Public Affairs of the university said.

Legal tussle

Dr Ameyaw-Buronyah explained that the decision to abrogate the contract follows a successful resolution of its longstanding contractual dispute with Mulch Company Limited.

The Legon Botanical Gardens

She said in 2009, the UG entered into an agreement with Pine Springs Company Limited for the renovation and management of the Botanical Gardens.

However, over the years, the company refused to fulfil its contractual obligations to the university leading to legal proceedings and negotiations, which eventually ended in its favour and with the facility managers agreeing to vacate the Gardens by November 30.

“The University of Ghana announces the successful resolution of its longstanding contractual dispute with Mulch Ghana Company Limited, formerly Pine Springs Company Limited, regarding the management of the University of Ghana Botanical Gardens.

“Following a legal process that affirmed the University’s position, Mulch Company Limited agreed to vacate the Gardens by November 30, 2024,” the statement said.

Dr Ameyaw-Buronyah stated that UG was committed to preserving and enhancing the Botanical Gardens as a place of beauty, learning research and recreation, contributing to the university’s mission of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.

The university assures the public that the Legon Botanical Gardens will continue to operate as a green space for the community,” the statement concluded.

The Legon Botanical Gardens, located on the Haatso-Atomic Road, has a canopy walkway and a high rope obstacle course, among others, for tourism.

It serves as a family-friendly recreational centre with a place for fun, canoeing, birdwatching, children’s playground, fishing and cycling, among others.