Shani Cooper launching the programme
The second Israeli Green Innovation Competition (IGIC), which seeks to honor individuals and organizations that come up with innovative solutions to promote environmental conservation and agriculture in Ghana, has officially begun.
The Green Innovation Competition focuses on innovative startups in the agriculture and horticulture sector which is in line with Israel’s commitment to stimulate both agriculture and innovation in Ghana. It is opened to young Ghanaian startup owners (aged 15-40) who have an already existing innovative initiative that contributes to the growth of the floriculture industry.
The winner of this year’s competition will receive a fully paid trip to Israel to participate in industry related conferences to learn best practices, to network and to seek potential investors to expand their existing business.
The competition is being undertaken by the Israeli Embassy in collaboration with the Ghana Garden and Flower Show, an initiative of Strategic Communications Africa Limited (Stratcomm Africa). The final selection and award ceremony will be held on the last day of the 2020 Virtual Ghana Garden and Flower Show (GGFS) on November 8.
Israel prides itself as a nation of innovation that helps to stimulate innovation wherever it finds itself.
Israeli Ambassador to Ghana Shani Cooper expressed excitement about the second edition of the show, saying, “We are delighted that through this show we are about unearthing new solutions to enhance agriculture and the environment, the Israeli Embassy will continue to support innovative ideas in our quest to see an improved agriculture system and the environment.”
Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa, organizers of the GGFS, Ms. Esther A.N. Cobbah, indicated that due to the coronavirus pandemic the company had to resort to a virtual show. She called on all stakeholders to continue their efforts in helping keep a cleaner, greener, healthier and a wealthier Ghana.
The GGFS is a flagship activity of the innovative Ghana Garden and Flower Movement that was initiated with the first edition of the show in August 2013. The movement seeks to create awareness among Ghanaians about the commercial, aesthetic and psychological benefits of horticulture and floriculture. It seeks to celebrate Ghana’s unique flora and fauna, while pointing people to the income generating and job creation opportunities inherent in them. Ultimately, the aim of the show is to encourage the harnessing of our flora and fauna for national development and improved livelihoods.