UG Provides Clarity on State of Botanical Gardens

The University of Ghana (UG) has provided insight into the current state of the Legon Botanical Gardens which was last week announced to be shutting down by the end of this month.

According to the Director of Public Affairs of the University, Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, Mulch Company Limited- the co-manager of the site- failed to honour their part of a contractual agreement in 2009.

This, he said, has subsequently led to the parting of ways.

“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,” he explained.

Mulch Company Limited agreed to cease its operations and vacate the Gardens by November 30, 2024.

The institution has since assured of its commitment to keeping the place as a tourist site.

“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.”

The tourist site will be closed to the public to make way for the renovation works before resuming operation, it noted.

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

In a post on X last week, Mulch announced plans to close the tourist attraction site on October 30. This came as a surprise to the public.

The 50-hectare Legon Botanical Gardens is owned by the UG and managed by both the Department of Botany and Mulch Company Ltd.

It was established in 1950 to create an environment where people conference with nature to inspire change in themselves and in the world.

It is a recreational centre with a Children’s Playground, High Rope Course, Junior Rope Course, Canoeing, Canopy Walk, Woodlands, Bird Watching, Fishing and Cycling sections.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini