The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has stated that it is concerned about saving the climate and protecting the environment and will never engage in acts of deforestation.
It follows issues raised by environmental advocacy group A Rocha over the felling of trees on both sides of the Atomic-Kwabenya road by GAEC to protect electricity cables.
The Commission has secured an approval from the Forestry Service Division to fell eight mahogany and six Leucaena trees that pose danger to motorists and high-tension cables on the stretch.
But A Rocha Ghana faulted the move, warning that the continued destruction of that green corridor poses a serious threat to Accra’s environment, urban health and climate resilience.
“This development is very unfortunate and needless,” a statement issued on May 20, 2025 said, noting that earlier road construction in the area had been paused and redesigned following public pressure to protect the trees.
“The lazy approach of cutting down trees at the slightest hazard is not prudent or progressive for urban forest maintenance and the health of people living in our cities,” the statement warned.
GAEC’s Response
Reacting to this, the Director for Commercialisation and Communication at the Atomic Energy Commission, Nana Boateng, said the positioning of A Rocha Ghana is flawed.
“The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has no interest in deforestation or cutting down trees. If you come into our environment here, the whole Ga East we are the greenest area. If you look at our office space, you could see beautiful trees and plants. Aside that, we are also researchers, and we research into trees and plants as well.”
“So, I think they have gotten it wrong. We will try and reach out to them to explain things to them so they understand that this is about life and death,” he told TV3 in an interview.
He explained that the Forestry Commission, which is a partner in the tree felling exercise, has given relevant direction and guidance to undertake the operation.
Mr. Boateng further added that the earmarked trees will be replaced with less-dangerous ones to maintain the green corridor, unlike the claims made by A Rocha Ghana.
“Our interest is to continue to green our environment and protect our environment. We are climate advocates and also environmental advocates. Our interest rather is to protect the environment and to save the climate.”
Another concern raised by A Rocha Ghana was an earlier felling of two trees to allow for a fuel station to be set up on the same stretch. But Mr. Boateng responded by saying that the area in question does not fall under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
“The area around the filling station does not belong to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission; it’s a private property. So, they have to speak to the private owners to know the reason for siting it there,” he advised.
