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FOR those who love the beauty of nature, the diverse wealth and array of horticultural splendour, the environmental magnificence of flora and fauna, the current state of the Aburi Botanical Gardens will be a mournful sight. The gardens in past decades were a restful haven where local and foreign tourists visited to commune with nature, drink into the soothing ambience and serene atmosphere that was presented in a well-manicured set of parks and eye-catching landscape. Today, those who know what the gardens used to be will break down in tears at the sorry sight. The Aburi Botanical Gardens has lost its fame and popularity to neglect. Any visitor to the place is likely to see a pale shadow of the once buoyant environmental paradise which used to spot colourful butterflies floating around, flapping at the beautiful panoply of flowers and greenery. The gardens today are dry and grey, indicating a long period of abandonment. Obviously, the legendary Ghanaian character of non-maintenance is at its best. Even the wooden contraptions on which visitors are supposed to sit are rotten, broken or generally unusable. What a big let-down! Tragically, visitors to the place have to fetch water to do their own flushing of the disused water-closets available. Obviously, this can no longer be a tourist attraction. To say the least, it is a national tragedy. The Spectator visited the gardens early this week and a report is on our environmental page. In some parts of the gardens are rubbish dumps that will turn away any expectant visitor. The old buildings of the colonial administration that should have been rehabilitated and maintained as a colonial relic have been abandoned. Some religious sects have found the place useful, though. Some have �colonised� portions for their religious rites. Others see it as a thorough-fare, but any first-time visitor to the place will certainly marvel at the extent of neglect and the sheer and appalling lack of maintenance. The Spectator wonders why the Department of Parks and Gardens has forgotten about this once wonderful horticultural showpiece. When interviewed, the chief and people of Aburiman expressed grave sorrow and disappointment at what the gardens have become today. They gave ample indication that they are prepared to take over the rehabilitation and maintenance of the gardens in collaboration with some investors. Of course, every problem cannot be left at the doorsteps of government and the idea is welcomed. If the chiefs and people can be supported to revive the gardens to their former glory, we lend our support to it. We also intend to follow up on it and readily back any laudable effort at restoring the place to its former status.