The Stratcomm Africa powered 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show (GGFS) with the theme Green means Business, Beauty and More has officially closed in Accra with a call for Ghana to recognise the potential of horticulture/floriculture for business, livelihood enhancement, health, recreation and sustainable economic development in general.
The closing ceremony featured the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings; the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams; the Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei; and the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa and Convener of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement (GGFM), Ms. Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah.
Delivering the keynote closing remarks, Hon. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings called for stronger protection of green and recreational spaces as Ghana’s cities continue to expand. She encouraged collaboration between the Ministry, the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions, including urban gardens and plant based interventions for managing environmental challenges.
“Caring for our environment is not just about making our surroundings beautiful. It’s also about our health, our livelihoods, our economy, and ultimately, our future,” she said.
Adding to the conversation, The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, connected green spaces to sports, recreation and public health. He also raised concerns about the increasing use of AstroTurf football fields, particularly the potential implications for the health of young football players and the need for greater attention to the quality and suitability of recreational spaces.
“A park, a garden, a walking trail, a football field or a golf course is not merely an open land. When properly planned, protected and maintained, it becomes part of our wellness infrastructure,” he said.
“Green can mean health, green can mean tourism, green can mean sport, green can mean business, and green can mean opportunity,” he added.
Dr. Andy Osei said Ghana’s tree crops sector presents opportunities to connect agriculture, industry, conservation and rural development while supporting the country’s transition to a greener economy. He pointed to the six tree crops under the mandate of TCDA, namely cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea, as areas with potential for value addition, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
“Green development is about business and a solid investment in the future of our nation,” he said.
Dr. Osei called for stronger collaboration among government, farmers, private sector actors, environmental organisations, traditional authorities, academia and development partners to promote climate smart agriculture, value addition and sustainable tree crop development.
Reflecting on the growth of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, Ms Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah identified “focus” as one of the key lessons from the Movement’s journey. She recalled that the first Ghana Garden and Flower Show started with 14 exhibitors and about 1,400 visitors, compared with more than 100 exhibitors and over 34,000 visitors at the 2026 Show.
“Focus, because it was difficult when we started, including many who felt the initiative could not survive as it wasn’t considered really relevant to livelihood enhancement. Today, many have come to appreciate that horticulture/floriculture puts food on our tables, helps to keep us healthy and happy, as well as keeping our surroundings beautiful and safe, including helping to prevent flooding from rains.”
Ms. Cobbah said the activities of the Movement continue beyond the annual Show with opportunities throughout the year to share knowledge, experiences etc. while connecting people and businesses around Ghana’s green economy. “For us at Stratcomm Africa, employing communication as a tool for development in such an innovative manner is a key commitment” she added.
2026 Bloom Garden Moment
The closing ceremony also featured the 2026 Bloom Moment, recognising individuals whose efforts among others are contributing to the realisation of the goal of the Movement. Mrs. Egi Gaisie was recognised for her garden of exceptional beauty, creativity and meaningful expression. TIEMTORE Tasséré Amos an exhibitor from Burkina Faso was honoured for his commitment, support and valuable contribution to advancing greener communities and a more sustainable world as well as contributing to the effort to connect Africa through horticulture/ Floriculture.
Held from 11 to 21 September 2026 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, the 11-day Show brought together government representatives, business leaders, horticulture practitioners, environmental advocates, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, development partners and members of the public to explore opportunities within Ghana’s growing green economy.
The 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show may have closed, but the green conversation continues. Let us cultivate opportunities, protect our environment and work together towards a greener, cleaner, healthier, wealthier and more beautiful Ghana.
Stratcomm Africa and the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement remain grateful to all who contributed to the success of the Show, including the more than 100 exhibitors, thousands of guests, sponsors GNPC, HDG Homes, Mohinani Group, Stanbic Bank, Labadi Beach Hotel, Republic Bank, Interplast, Nutrifoods and Molders Group, as well as media partners The High Street Journal, Lifestyle TV, The Multimedia Group, The Insight, The Herald, Business 24, The Daily Dispatch, Asaase Radio 99.5, Business and Financial Times (B&FT), ChannelOne TV, Citi 97.3 FM, Ghana News Agency (GNA), Jbklutse.com, Media Africa, MyJoyOnline, Melange, Graphic and Investment Times.
-END-
