The Aboretum is located on a 40-acre forest reserve owned by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, which leased it to a mining company for surface mining in the early twentieth century, but was later given to another company known as African Products Department for rubber and cocoa plantations in 1917.
Following the company’s departure, two British bought the park and built a guest house there in 1935. The Vice Chancellor of the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, an institution founded by the Okyehene, Amoatia Ofori Opanin II, is currently residing in the guesthouse.
The Plant Genetic Resource and Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) bought the facility in 1946 and has been managing it ever since.
Garcinia Kola, popularly known as Twepea, is one of the uncommon tree species found in the forest reserve, and it is thought to have health advantages.
Garcinia kola is claimed to be utilized to fight infectious infections in many tropical regions, and it also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities.
Other tropical tree species present at the center include the Okure tree, which is mostly used for dugout boats, and the Alpha and Omega trees, which are utilized for the local sponge (sapowie).
This child-friendly park has purpose-built canopy walkway to bring out the adventure in children. Do not leave the children out of your trip to this park.
One of the latest additions to the park is two horses that offer patrons the opportunity to ride through the park.