Univ of Ghana parts ways with managers of Legon Botanical Gardens

The University of Ghana has parted ways with the managers of the Legon Botanical Gardens. The Legon Botanical Gardens, which is owned by the University of Ghana, has been co-managed by the Department of Botany and Mulch Company Limited.

Located on the Haatso-Atomic road in Accra, the Legon Botanical Gardens has a canopy walkway and a high rope obstacle course among other family friendly recreational facilities.

It has become a place for fun and experience for all ages with activities such as canoeing, bird watching, canopy walking, children's playground, high rope course, fishing and cycling.

Last Friday, October 11, 2024, the managers of the gardens, Mulch Company Limited, formerly Pine Springs Company Limited had put out a tweet which suggested the Botanical Gardens was closing down on October 30, 2024 without providing details of whether it was a temporary or permanent closure.

But in a press statement dated October 12, 2024, the management of the University of Ghana explained that in 2009, the University entered into an agreement with Pine Springs Company Limited (now Mulch Company Limited) for the renovation and management of the Botanical Gardens.

The university in the statement issued by Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, the Director of Public Affairs explained that over the years, "the company refused to fulfil its contractual obligations to the University."

And that after extensive negotiations and legal proceedings, the University has been granted control of the Botanical Gardens.

Following the legal process that affirmed the University's position, Mulch Company Limited has agreed to cease its operations and vacate the gardens by November 30, 2024, the university explained.

Attached below is a copy of the statement issued by the university

RESOLUTION OF CONTRACTUAL DISPUTE OVER MANAGEMENT OF UNIVERSITY OF GHANA BOTANICAL GARDENS

The University of Ghana announces the successful resolution of its longstanding contractual dispute with Mulch 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 cease its operations and vacate the Gardens by November 30, 2024.

In 2009, the University entered into an agreement with Pine Springs Company Limited (now Mulch 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. After extensive negotiations and legal proceedings, the University has been granted control of the Botanical Gardens.

The University of Ghana is 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. Following a period of repairs and renovations, the Botanical Gardens will reopen to the public, fulfilling its intended purpose as a vital green zone.

Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah
Director of Public Affairs

Mulch's announcement last Friday

In a post on X last Friday, the current managers of the gardens, Mulch Company Limited stated that the Legon Botanical Gardens was closing down on October 30, 2024..

“We are Closing the Legon Botanical Gardens on 30th October, 2024 . We believe we have been able to put lots of smiles on countless number of faces all these years . Legon Botanical Gardens was a chapter. Follow Mulch Company Ltd,” the company tweeted.

We are Closing the Legon Botanical Gardens on 30th October, 2024

We believe we have been able to put lots of smiles on countless number of faces all these years

Legon Botanical Gardens was a chapter

Follow Mulch Company Ltd

— Mulch Company Ltd (@LegonBotanicalG) October 11, 2024