• Madam Esther Cobbah (inset) speaking to guests at the launch

Ahead of the 10^th 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.

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