Prof. Bruce Sarpong
Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Ghana, Professor Bruce Sarpong, has called on government to take “bold actions” towards growing the floriculture (flower farming) sector of the economy to engender job creation for the youth of the country.
He noted that the floricultural market, which as at 2017 was estimated at $67 billion worldwide, was an emerging and promising industry in Ghana; adding that “our climate, topography and its natural characteristics are conducive for production of floral products.”
He called for the building of synergies among key stakeholders such as academia, state agencies and the Garden and Flower Movement to whip up enthusiasm of Ghanaians in floral products and also promote Ghana’s floral prospects to the world.
“Let us learn from our sub-Saharan African neighbours such as Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt where the industry is a major player in their green economy,” he said.
Prof. Sarpong was speaking at the opening of the eighth edition of the Ghana Garden and Flower Show which opened on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 and expected to end on November 8, 2020.
The annual event has over the years attracted enthusiasts, environmentalists and other stakeholders from international and local organizations who seek to contribute towards the realization of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to safe environment.
The theme for the 2020 event which was held virtually due to Covid-19 was ‘Live the Change, focusing on promoting more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyles’.
The Ambassador of Netherland to Ghana, Ron Strikker, said environmental challenges due to climate change had made it more crucial for the country to focus on becoming greener.
“Challenges associated with climate change are more daunting than the pandemic we are experiencing at the moment,” he said.
Ghana, he said, could also benefit tremendously from the growing of plants as it had enormous economic viability that could generate revenue for the country.
Convenor of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, Esther Cobbah, in her remarks, urged exhibitors to embrace the virtual nature of the event as it provided the opportunity of showcasing the greenery of Ghana globally.
“God in his wisdom put us in this country called Ghana and we have a responsibility to share it with the world. And to the rest of the world, we have a unique flora and fauna that you haven’t seen before,” she said.
In attendance to the ceremony was the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Shani Cooper, and the UN International Elections Commissioner, Charlotte Osei, who officially launched the event.
By Issah Mohammed