Botanical Gardens in Ghana and Their Role in Plant Conservation

Botanical gardens represent well-tended, often protected areas purposely kept to display diversity of plant species for purposes such as food, medicine, research, plant conservation, and recreation. Such conserved establishments, whether formal or informal, have played significant roles in sustainable development of the environment and the lives of humans. In most communities in Ghana, certain areas are designated as sacred groves and left uncropped and undisturbed for the purposes of conservation. This chapter highlights the history and development of botanical gardens in Ghana and the current states of operation of some common botanical gardens in the areas of revenue generation through tourism, food, and conservation of plant genetic resources. Common plant species in Ghana’s botanical gardens are also reported. The role of government in formulating policies for the management and maintenance of botanical gardens is also enumerated. The chapter further elaborates on the state of plant conservation, different forms of conservation, and the state institutions responsible for this function. Also included is the responsibility of traditional authorities in conservation of plants in sacred grooves and the challenges associated with the maintenance of such sites. In addition, the role of botanical gardens in plant species collection, characterization, conservation, and documentation, such as research and education purposes, tourism, etc., are also captured. Furthermore, policies and awareness programs for the protection and maintenance of plant genetic resources in botanical gardens are elaborated. The chapter further enumerates some common threats and challenges associated with the maintenance of botanical gardens. Some of these include encroachment, lack of financial support for protection, inadequate research on species diversity, narrow genetic base, threats from climate change, alien invasive species, pollution, and inadequate human resources to enforce the legislative laws in protected areas. Finally, the chapter ends with the prospects of the untapped potential of botanical gardens in the areas of medicine, job creation opportunities, sources of food, and research and education potential that can be harnessed.