The 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show has closed in Accra with a call for Ghana to recognise the potential of horticulture and floriculture for business, livelihood enhancement, health, recreation and sustainable economic development.
The show, organised by Stratcomm Africa under the theme "Green Means Business, Beauty and More," was held from September 11 to 21, 2026, at the Efua Sutherland Children's Park. It brought together government representatives, business leaders, horticulture practitioners, environmental advocates, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, development partners and members of the public.
The closing ceremony featured the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Honourable Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings; the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams; the Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority, Dr Andy Osei; and the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa and Convener of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, Ms Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah.
Delivering the keynote closing remarks, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings called for stronger protection of green and recreational spaces as Ghana's cities continue to expand. She encouraged collaboration between the ministry, the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions, including urban gardens and plant-based interventions for managing 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, Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams, connected green spaces to sports, recreation and public health. He also raised concerns about the increasing use of AstroTurf football fields, particularly the potential implications for the health of young football players and the need for greater attention to the quality and suitability of recreational spaces.
"A park, a garden, a walking trail, a football field or a golf course is not merely open land. When properly planned, protected and maintained, it becomes part of our wellness infrastructure," he said. "Green can mean health, green can mean tourism, green can mean sport, green can mean business, and green can mean opportunity," he added.
Dr Andy Osei said Ghana's tree crops sector presents opportunities to connect agriculture, industry, conservation and rural development while supporting the country's transition to a greener economy. He pointed to the six tree crops under the mandate of the authority, namely cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea, as areas with potential for value addition, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
"Green development is about business and a solid investment in the future of our nation," he said. He called for stronger collaboration among government, farmers, private sector actors, environmental organisations, traditional authorities, academia and development partners to promote climate-smart agriculture, value addition and sustainable tree crop development.
Reflecting on the growth of the movement, Ms Cobbah identified focus as one of the key lessons from its journey. She recalled that the first show started with 14 exhibitors and about 1,400 visitors, compared with more than 100 exhibitors and over 34,000 visitors at the 2026 edition.
"Focus, because it was difficult when we started, including many who felt the initiative could not survive as it wasn't considered really relevant to livelihood enhancement. Today, many have come to appreciate that horticulture and floriculture put food on our tables, help to keep us healthy and happy, as well as keeping our surroundings beautiful and safe, including helping to prevent flooding from rains," she said.
Ms Cobbah said the activities of the movement continue beyond the annual show, with opportunities throughout the year to share knowledge and experiences while connecting people and businesses around Ghana's green economy.
The closing ceremony also featured the 2026 Bloom Moment, recognising individuals whose efforts are contributing to the realisation of the movement's goals. Mrs Egi Gaisie was recognised for her garden of exceptional beauty, creativity and meaningful expression. Mr Tiemtore Tasséré Amos, an exhibitor from Burkina Faso, was honoured for his commitment, support and contribution to advancing greener communities and a more sustainable world, as well as contributing to efforts to connect Africa through horticulture and floriculture.
Stratcomm Africa and the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the show, including the more than 100 exhibitors, thousands of guests and sponsors including GNPC, HDG Homes, Mohinani Group, Stanbic Bank, Labadi Beach Hotel, Republic Bank, Interplast, Nutrifoods and Molders Group, as well as media partners.
The Ghana Garden and Flower Show is the flagship event of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, an initiative birthed and nurtured by Stratcomm Africa. Since its inception in 2013, the show has promoted Ghana's horticulture and floriculture industry while helping to address global challenges such as climate change and food security.
