The British House of Commons, with attempts in 1865 also failing, proposed the idea for a botanical garden on the cool Akuapem–Togo Hills, as early as 1842. It was finally established in March 1890 beside a sanatorium first built in 1875 for colonial officials.

William Crowther, a botanical student from Kew Gardens, became the first curator. By 1902, he had cultivated nearly 7 ha of land into economic, specimen, and decorative plots.

The gardens played a critical role in introducing cocoa (1890s) and rubber trees (1893) to Ghana, shaping the nation’s agricultural transformation.

Today, the gardens occupy approximately 64.8 hectares (160 acres), with only about 3 hectares developed into maintained garden areas. The rest is conserved reserve forest.

A beautifully landscaped palm-tree avenue (about 274 m long) leads from the entrance into the green oasis.

Highlights include the Rock Garden, Bush House, Pergola (Lovers’ Lane), majestic kapok and ficus trees, and a retired helicopter display.

Public and horticultural features include Orchid plots, children's park, nurseries, and a horticulture school. There is also a tree-planting commemorative VVIP grove honoring visitors like Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles.

Guides are available to explain tree origins, medicinal uses, and lore while visitors can indulge in guided walks, picnics, or casual strolls.