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The government has been urged to put policies in place to encourage investors to channel their resources into the horticultural and floricultural sector. The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hans Docter, who made the call, said Ghana had good lands which could be used for horticultural purposes and with the needed encouragement the country could benefit from this opportunity. He was opening the second edition of the Ghana garden and flower show in Accra. According to him, many countries including Kenya, which have less favourable climate, have made inroads into the sector, which contributes up to three per cent of their revenue generation and provides employment opportunity for more than 200,000 people. Ghana�s garden and flower show The show, which was introduced by Strategic Communications Africa Limited (STRATCOMM Africa) last year, is to create awareness of the commercial and psychological benefits of urban beautification and gardening. The 11-day exhibition show is among other things, designed to promote tourism, healthier and modern lifestyles while helping to create employment and income-earning opportunities for growth and development. Held on the theme �Gardening for value, health, beauty, jobs and income�, the opening ceremony was graced by representatives of the various foreign missions in the country, diplomats, parliamentarians, ministers of state and many others. The Bloom magazine was also launched at the ceremony. Agriculture and horticultural products � Ghana�s future In a keynote address, the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, said agricultural and horticultural products were among those that offered export diversification opportunities considered as important for the economic future of the country in the deliberations at the Senchi economic forum. Mr Murtala Mohammed said the Senchi forum recognised the need to reverse the import dependence of the country and commended Stratcomm Africa for organising the show to encourage Ghanaians to appreciate the benefits associated with the sector. The Chief Executive Officer of STRATCOMM Africa, Ms Esther Cobbah, said the successes chalked up in the first edition exceeded the company�s expectations and that encouraged STRATCOMM to organise the show this year.