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10th Ghana Garden and Flower Show takes off August 31
• Madam Esther Cobbah (inset) speaking to guests at the launch
Ahead of the 10th edition of the Ghana Garden and Flower Show (GGFS), individuals and corporate bodies have been encouraged to maintain a serene environment and tap into opportunities in the horticulture industry.
Members of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement (GGFM) insist it is better to preserve green and attractive landscape instead of engaging in activities that impact the environment negatively.
It is against this backdrop that Strategic Communications (Stratcomm) Africa and its partners are once again leading the advocacy to ensure “a greener, cleaner, healthier and wealthier Ghana.”
This year’s event, scheduled for August 31 to September 4, is themed “Growth Unleashed.” It comes with exciting activities and is expected to attract hundreds of players in the industry both home and abroad.
Sufa unveiling the artwork for the event
Ms Esther Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stratcomm Africa, speaking at the launch on Monday in Accra, highlighted the economic and aesthetic value of flowers and gardens and commended partners who have supported the show since its inception.
Calling for more collaboration in pushing the green agenda, she expressed worry over noise pollution and poor sanitation and urged developers not to turn the capital city into “concrete jungles.”
She said although the past 10 years had been a difficult journey, GGFM was focused on its mission and help contribute to fighting climate change.
“We are unleashing growth, we are unleashing the beauty and value that Ghana has and we will not stop. Let us make our country beautiful; this is our land, this is our heritage. We can make Ghana more beautiful than the countries we want to go,” she said.
Shlomit Sufa, Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra-Leone commended Stratcomm Africa and partners for championing a greener and cleaner environment over the years.
She said the GGFS will “forever be special event” as it was the first show she attended when she arrived in Ghana.
Announcing the start of the Isreali Green Innovation Competition, she said the competition instituted in 2019 will continue to honour individuals and organisations that come up with innovative ideas that promote environmental conservation and agriculture in Ghana.
She said winners of this year’s contest will receive fully paid trip to Israel to participate in industry-related meetings, excursions and conferences to learn best practices and seek potential investors to expand their existing business.
Mrs. Mawuena Trebah, Chief Business Strategist, Inspire Africa Consult, also admitted the floriculture industry was a lucrative industry that can employ more young people.
Rev Charles Okai, Director of the Department of Parks and Gardens, said the department had benefited immensely from collaborating with the GGFM over the years and would continue to support initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.
By Ernest Nutsugah & Elizabeth Ackon
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
