6th September 2019, Accra: The 7th edition of the Ghana Garden and Flower Show which began in Accra on 28th August 2019 has ended with a call on Ghanaians to be the change they want to see in their respective homes, within their neighborhoods, communities and the country as a whole.
Themed “Be the Change”, the Show focused on individual responsibility for developing and maintaining green and clean neighborhoods, through the cultivation of flower and food gardens. The Show was also used to deepen awareness about the effects of global warming on Ghana’s environment and how floriculture and horticulture could be harnessed to address the situation.
This year’s show, which was held in the year in which Stratcomm Africa is celebrating its 25th anniversary, attracted over 140 exhibitors and more than 20,000 visitors. Products exhibited included; flowers, ornamental plants, garden tools and ornaments, cosmetics and skincare products, and agrochemicals. The rest were; garden furniture, garden-inspired fashion, as well as amazing creative pieces from Constance Swaniker’s Accents & Arts.
One of the unique features of this year’s show was the Green Innovation Competition organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the state of Israel in Ghana with the objective of encouraging Green Innovation among Ghanaians whilst also promoting startups.
After a rigorous selection process, Coologi, an organization represented by Mr. Prince Pius Nutsugah won the first prize. Pius and his Coologi colleagues have invented an eco-friendly low energy chamber that prolongs the shelf life of fruits and vegetables to help reduce postharvest losses. For his prize, Mr. Nutsugah gets a fully sponsored return trip to Israel for capacity building in his area of expertise. Messrs. Isaac Atayure Seidu and Prince Kwame Agbata emerged first and second runners up respectively.
The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Shani Cooper-Zubida said, “The State of Israel is a nation of innovation and helps to stimulate innovation wherever it finds itself, thus the Embassy is delighted to have introduced the Green Innovation Competition to promote innovation, encourage startups, while also helping to develop Ghana’s floriculture industry. She congratulated the winners and urged them to continue innovating to develop the floriculture industry in Ghana. She also congratulated Stratcomm Africa and its CEO, initiators of the Show and the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement.
Other individuals and organizations were recognized for their efforts in helping to create a Cleaner, Greener, Wealthier, Healthier, more Beautiful Ghana. They are; Best Private Garden - Theodora Lamptey, Logos Rema Church, Ridge Church, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Asylum Down branch for initiating a special “Flower Service” and TV3 Sanitation Campaign. The rest are; The Ghana Journalists Association(GJA) for its Environmental Sanitation Project, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for the Accra Greening and Beautification Project, Jamestown Ngleshie Noyaa Kpee (JTNNK) and Kempinski Hotel.
Another unique feature this year was a pre-show conference held on 23rd August, 2019 at AMA Conference Hall. The conference with the theme; “Be The Change”, attracted over 150 participants. They benefitted from a number of experts including, Dr Juliet Tuakli of CHILDAccra, Professor Peter Kwapong of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University Of Cape-Coast and Mr. Felix Baidoo of the Ghana Recycling Initiative by Private Enterprises (GRIPE). The keynote speaker was an expert from the Netherlands, Mr. Jan Van Den Berg, who shared his knowledge and practical experience about floriculture. The expert, whose participation was facilitated by the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana, also highlighted the immense economic value that can be gained from floriculture, as has happened in the Netherlands.
While in Ghana, Mr. Jan Van Den Berg visited flower and vegetable plantations, met and interacted with experts in the industry and shared with them ideas for growing the industry in Ghana. Mr. Berg’s main message during the period was the urgent need for collaboration for the growth of Ghana’s floriculture industry. He said “Stories about the growth of the floriculture industry from countries such as Holland, Kenya, Ethiopia etc, show that the floriculture industry grows through collaboration and not individual efforts only.” He therefore urged Ghanaians seeking opportunities in the industry to unite and grow the industry, as Ghana has the potential.
The Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa, , Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah thanked the sponsors, exhibitors and patrons for helping the Show to grow bigger and better over the years. Ms. Cobbah stated that, “We can all contribute to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) if we individually and collectively contribute to a Cleaner, Greener, Wealthier, Healthier, more Beautiful Ghana by being the change we want to see in our homes, neighborhoods and across the country”.
“Through activities such as the Ghana Garden and Flower Show, Stratcomm Africa employs its communication expertise, in event management, behavior change communication and more to contribute to national development and individual livelihood enhancement. This is also consistent with the theme of our 25th Anniversary celebration, Communication Excellence for Africa’s prosperity in this digital age”, she added.
About the Ghana Garden and Flower Show
The Ghana Garden and Flower Show is a flagship activity of the innovative Ghana Garden and Flower Movement that was initiated with the first edition of the Show in August 2013. The Movement seeks to create awareness among Ghanaians about the commercial, aesthetic and psychological benefits of horticulture and floriculture. It seeks to celebrate Ghana’s unique flora and fauna, whilst pointing people to the income generating and job creation opportunities inherent in them. Ultimately, the aim of the Show is to encourage the harnessing of our flora and fauna for national development and improved livelihoods.
About Stratcomm Africa
Stratcomm Africa is a total Communication, Reputation Management, Events Management and Research Agency specializing in evolving and implementing communications strategies for companies, individuals and governmental institutions in both national and international settings. Stratcomm Africa is proudly collaborating with its partners to promote and deepen a Gardening and Flower culture in Ghana. Stratcomm Africa believes in using communications to stimulate socio-economic development.
By organizing the Ghana Garden and Flower Show and promoting a Garden and Flower Movement in Ghana, Stratcomm Africa is using its expertise to generate awareness among Ghanaians about available natural resources for livelihood enhancements and national development.
Stratcomm Africa is also facilitating information sharing, knowledge transfer, and skills development through its role in the Garden and Flower Show and its related conference and workshops.
Stratcomm Africa also employs the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement and Show, as a platform to reinforce Ghana’s position as a compelling investment and tourist destination through the promotion of beautiful Gardens and Flowers in Ghana. Vintage Events, a member of the Stratcomm Africa Group, manages the event.
Critics fear Togo reforms leave little room for change in election
Flooding: Obey weather warnings – NADMO to general public
Fire in NDC over boycott of Ejisu by-election
NDC to outdoor Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate today
Ejisu: CPP seeks injunction to stop April 30 by-election
Dismiss ECG, GWCL, GACL bosses over losses – United Voices for Change tells gov’...
Submit 2023 audited financial statements by May – Akufo-Addo order SOEs
Current power outages purely due to mismanagement – Minority
ECG hoists red flag to fight Ashanti Regional Minister over arrest of General Ma...
Mahama’s 24hr economy will help stabilise the cedi; it’s the best sellable polic...
