His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh on Monday 24th November 2025, planted a “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) tree seedling at the Aburi Botanical Gardens in a symbolic gesture that reinforces the United Kingdom’s longstanding partnership with Ghana on environmental stewardship.
The act underscores a shared commitment to nature conservation and sustainability .It also follows the historic footsteps of his late mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who planted a Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) tree seedling at the Gardens in 1961, and his brother, then His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, now His Majesty King Charles III, who continued the tradition in 1977 by planting a silver oak (Grevillea robusta) tree seedling.
This event formed part of activities outlined for the Duke of Edinburgh’s official visit to Ghana, to deepen the relationship between the two countries.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on sustainable development, the Duke was conducted on a tour of the Gardens, where he was briefed on its history, Ghana’s forest restoration efforts, and the critical role played by the Forestry Commission in conserving the nation’s forest and wildlife resources. During the visit, the Duke was briefed on the various seedlings at the Gardens’ nursery where a diverse range of indigenous and exotic plant species are raised. The Nursery also serves as a training centre for horticultural students, contributing to both environmental conservation and capacity-building within the sector.
Dr. Hugh C.A Brown, Chief Executive of Forestry Commission (FC) during an engagement with the Duke explained that the Forestry Commission has a long-standing relationship with the UK which dates as far back as the colonial era, with the establishment of the then Forestry Department in 1909.
He mentioned that post-independence, the UK has been a major contributor to the growth of the Forestry Commission, through development assistance in the area of institutional reforms, training and capacity building in forest management, logistics, among others. He indicated that since the year 2020 the UK government through its Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has supported in the establishment of a Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS), which includes an electronic timber tracking system which additionally provides forest management decision support, and underpins the issuance of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licences. He stated that since March 2025, FCDO and FC have been working closely and have developed a Forest Governance Partnership project to provide in kind support to Ghana’s forest governance objectives.
The Project will support the signing and implementation of a possible Ghana-UK Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) for timber and timber products exports to the UK. Additionally, the Project will support FC’s efforts at addressing illegal mining in forest reserves through training and capacity building.
Duke of Edinburgh in a majestic walk with CEO of Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown
Again, Dr. Brown indicated that the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative launched by the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama in March 2025 is part of efforts by the Government to restore degraded forest landscapes; inculcate in the youth the values of tree planting and conservation of nature and support the global fight against climate change.
The Aburihene and Adontenhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Nana Otoobour Djan Kwasi II planted a Cedrela (Cedrela odorata) tree seedling at the Gardens. This highlighted the leadership of traditional authorities in advancing environmental sustainability and community involvement in forest restoration.
In attendance at this ceremony were the British High Commissioner, His Excellency (H.E) Christian Rogg; Deputy Chief Executive of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey; and the Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, Honorable Lawrencia Dziwornu.
source:the Exposé Newspaper
