Ghana must move beyond viewing gardens, parks and other green spaces merely as beautification projects and begin treating them as critical drivers of jobs, healthcare, recreation and economic growth.
The call was made at the closing of the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show (GGFS) in Accra, where stakeholders urged stronger investment and protection of the country’s green spaces amid rapid urbanisation.
The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, said protecting green and recreational spaces was becoming increasingly important as Ghanaian cities expanded.
She called for collaboration between her ministry, the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement and other stakeholders to develop practical interventions, including urban gardens and plant-based solutions to 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.
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, further linked green spaces to sports, recreation and public health, raising concerns about the increasing use of AstroTurf football pitches and their potential implications for the health of young footballers.
He said parks, gardens, walking trails, football fields and golf courses should be regarded as part of the country’s wellness infrastructure when properly planned, protected and maintained.
“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,” Mr Adams said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andy Osei, said Ghana’s tree crops sector offered significant opportunities to combine agriculture, industry, conservation and rural development while supporting the transition to a greener economy.
He identified cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea as key tree crops with potential for value addition, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Osei called for stronger cooperation among government, farmers, private-sector players, environmental organisations, traditional authorities, academia and development partners to advance climate-smart agriculture and sustainable tree-crop development.
For the Convener of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement and Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa, Ms Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, the growth of the annual event demonstrates the increasing recognition of horticulture and floriculture as viable economic activities.
She recalled that the inaugural show attracted only 14 exhibitors and about 1,400 visitors.
In contrast, the 2026 edition attracted more than 100 exhibitors and over 34,000 visitors.
Ms Cobbah said horticulture and floriculture contributed not only to livelihoods but also to health, happiness, environmental protection and flood prevention.
The 11-day event, held from September 11 to 21 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, brought together government representatives, businesses, horticulture practitioners, environmental advocates, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, development partners and members of the public to explore opportunities in Ghana’s emerging green economy.
The closing ceremony also featured the 2026 Bloom Moment, which recognised individuals contributing to the advancement of the movement.
Mrs Egi Gaisie was honoured for her exceptional garden, while Burkina Faso exhibitor TIEMTORE Tasséré Amos was recognised for his contribution to greener communities and efforts to connect Africa through horticulture and floriculture.
Organisers said although the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show had ended, the green-economy conversation would continue through activities and engagements aimed at connecting people and businesses around Ghana’s growing green economy.
The Ghana Garden and Flower Show, launched in 2013, is the flagship event of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, an initiative of Stratcomm Africa aimed at promoting horticulture and floriculture while highlighting their environmental, commercial, aesthetic and health benefits.
