A Senior Member at the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at the University of Ghana (UG), Dr Gladys Odey Schwinger, has highlighted challenges facing the College in maintaining its plantation at the Legon Botanical Gardens, which serves as a practical learning site for students.
Speaking on the sidelines of a tree-planting activity organised by the Legon Lions Club, Dr. Schwinger noted that the garden faces inadequate water supply for irrigation. She also raised security concerns, explaining that the area lacks proper fencing and has insufficient security personnel.
“So we are supposed to be replacing plants and raising them for sale, but we have water issues, so we are unable to do that. And even when we are able to raise some, people come and steal them. We don’t really have security around here, so anyone can just come in, take whatever they want, and leave,” she said.
Dr. Schwinger further appealed to university authorities and the general public to support the garden through funding and donations to ensure its sustainability.
“The College is trying to find ways of securing funding. We need a lot of money to get things done. The whole place is bushy—we need clearing, and we need tractors. So, the College will be approaching individuals and organisations for support. We hope they will give us a hearing and contribute to sustaining the botanical garden,” she added.
The Legon Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, a global service organisation with over 1.2 million members, dedicated to addressing humanitarian and community needs.
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Story by Charles Wumbe Dauda | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
