Floral and garden lovers have been challenged to take advantage of the current economic situation in the country to grow the horticultural and floricultural industry for massive local and foreign exchange income.
Although the horticultural and floricultural sector in Ghana has been identified to have a huge potential of drawing into the country, massive foreign exchange and provide jobs for Ghanaians locally, it had not received the required attention and investment to realise these benefits.
Madam Esther Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Communications Africa Limited (Stratcomm Africa), who threw the challenge at the close of an 11-day Flower and Garden show, called for the renewal of the attitudes of Ghanaians towards gardening and planting of flowers.
She said apart from their economic benefits, these activities could contribute to healthy environments.
The theme of the show was �Gardening for Value- Health, Beauty, Jobs and Income� and it sought among other things, to celebrate Ghana�s unique flora and fauna, while pointing out to people, the income generating and job creation opportunities inherent in them.
Madam Cobbah drew the minds of participants to the address given by the Dutch Ambassador, Mr Hans Docter, during the opening of the show that signaled to Ghanaians the huge potential of the horticultural industry.
She said Mr Docter had enlightened participants on the huge economic contribution of the floral industry to the Gross Domestic Product of the Dutch Government.
She said with the vast agricultural land mass, Ghana had a better advantage over the Netherlands, which was currently second to the United States of America in terms of Floral production.
Madam Cobbah said it was important that Ghanaians recognized, not only the economic benefits of flower and gardening, but also appreciate their health and environmental implications as well.
She referred to the entire programme as a huge success and better than it was anticipated in terms of patronage.
She expressed her gratitude to all the sponsors and exhibitors, as well as collaborators and facilitators of the various seminars and conferences, which were held alongside the exhibition, saying, it provided an opportunity for business networking between floral and fauna expects, the public and young entrepreneurs.
Madam Cobbah said Stratcomm Africa would continue to lead in the campaign to boost the interest of Ghanaians in flower and gardening for national development.
Mr Ato Pamford, Vice President of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises of the Association of Ghana Industries, who chaired the function, pledged the Associations continuous support for the Garden and Flower Movement that had been initiated.
He said the AGI would contribute its best to ensure the growth of the horticultural and floricultural industry to ensure economic development through providing jobs and income and also improving the health and the general beautification of the environment across the country.
<<Print>>