The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged Ghanaians to protect and expand green spaces, saying they are critical to the country’s environmental sustainability, public health and economic development.
She said parks, gardens and other green areas could help reduce urban temperatures, improve air quality, mitigate flooding and create opportunities for jobs and new businesses, and therefore called for collaborations on plant-based solutions to environmental challenges.
Ms Agyeman-Rawlings made the call when she officially closed the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show in Accra on September 21, 2026, held on the theme: “Green Means Business, Beauty and More.”
She said environmental protection should not be viewed separately from economic development, and stressed the need for individuals, businesses and government institutions to embrace practical green solutions.
Green spaces
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, where the event was held, was a significant green space that needed to be protected for present and future generations.
She said green areas in urban communities provided more than aesthetic value, and explained that they could help address some of the challenges associated with rapid urbanisation.
She said natural vegetation could provide areas for excess rainwater to seep into the ground, thereby helping to reduce the impact of flooding.
She also noted that increasing vegetation in urban centres could help moderate temperatures and improve air quality.
“Most cities in Europe and the US have at least one major park where citizens can visit, walk and get a breath of fresh air,” she said.
The Minister said Ghana needed to be more intentional about establishing small gardens and green zones across cities and communities.
She also encouraged collaboration on plant-based solutions to environmental challenges, citing the potential of bioswales and indigenous plants in flood mitigation and erosion control.
Green economy
The Environment, Science and Technology Minister said the green economy also presented opportunities for young people to create businesses and livelihoods.
“Nature rewards you when you invest in her,” she said, and urged young people to develop the patience to nurture plants and explore opportunities in horticulture and related areas.
She said sustainability could also benefit businesses through reduced energy consumption, reduced waste and the creation of new industries.
She called for collaboration among government, businesses, communities and environmental organisations, saying no single institution could achieve a greener Ghana on its own.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andy Osei Okrah, said the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement had, since its inception in 2013, grown into an important platform for environmental awareness, education, networking and enterprise.
He said the theme, “Green Means Business, Beauty and More,” captured the economic, social and environmental benefits of green development.
“Green development is not just about beauty; it is about business and a solid investment in the future of our nation,” he said.
Show records growth
The Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa and Convener of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, Esther Cobbah, said the show had grown significantly since its establishment in 2013.
She said it started with 14 exhibitors and about 1,400 visitors but had now grown to more than 100 exhibitors and over 34,000 visitors.
“Focus. Focus. Because it was difficult when we started, and people said it wouldn’t work,” she said.
Ms Cobbah said some of the exhibitors who participated in the early editions had remained committed and had subsequently expanded their businesses.
She appealed to the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology to collaborate with the movement to address challenges faced by flower growers and exhibitors, particularly those relating to city regulations and the use of public spaces.
Bloom Moment Awards
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Bloom Moment Awards to recognise exhibitors who had demonstrated commitment and consistency during the show.
A florist and horticulturist from Burkina Faso, Amos Tassere Timtore, won the first Bloom Moment Award for exhibiting throughout the 14 editions of the show.
As part of his prize, Labadi Beach Hotel sponsored a two-night vacation for him.
The second award went to Egi Gaiasie.
