Ghana Can Begin Flower Export

KAREN HENDRICKSON, co-author of Ghana's Beautiful Gardens, said the country could position itself internationally as a strong exporter of flowers.

She noted that the contribution of flowers and gardens to the economies of countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Kenya and Togo, among others, could be replicated in Ghana.

'With the rich soil and other natural resources here, Ghana can also export flowers on a large scale.'

Ms Hendrickson made the call ahead of a 3-day Garden and Flower Show (GGFS) slated for the Efua Sutherland Park in Accra from August 29-31, 2013.

Themed: 'Sustainable Gardening in Ghana', it is aimed at promoting a flower and gardening movement in Ghana to deepen the culture of gardening. The show will also help to highlight critical benefits of gardens and flowers with regard to foreign income generation, job creation, clean and healthy lifestyles, beautification of the country's public spaces and homes and the promotion of environmental awareness among Ghanaians.

Kwame Ayew of NBC Ghana Trust stressed the need for Ghanaians to take advantage of the country's natural resources to enhance their livelihoods.

He said Ghana was blessed with good sunshine, soil and rain that could be used to grow beautiful flowers to be marketed locally and internationally for good income.

Matilda Amissah-Arthur, second lady of Ghana, is expected to open the Ghana Garden and Flower Show which will be attended by policy makers and government officials, academia in the agriculture sector, business community, florists and horticulturists, botanists, home owners, estate developers, garden and flower lovers among others.

Exhibitors expected at the show include pot makers, sculptors, garden furniture and ornament producers and suppliers, landscape designers, architects and hospitality managers, homeowners, garden enthusiasts and hobbyists.

Sponsors of this innovative initiative include Royal Senchi Hotel, an environmentally conscious 5 star hotel in the Atimpoku area in the Eastern Region of Ghana (Headline Sponsor), Access Bank Ghana Limited, Regimanuel Gray Estates Limited and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) (Lead Sponsors). Media partners include Joy FM, Citi FM, Business and Financial Times, Insight Newspaper, TV Africa, TV 3, Metro TV and Enquirer.

 A business desk report