The 4TH Ghana Garden and Flower Show : Flowers are worth more than aesthetics

The run-up to the 2016 Ghana Garden and Flower Show has been very educative as the activities of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement has shed more light on the business angle and benefits of the horticulture and floriculture industry. Since the first edition of the show four years ago, the movement has consciously drawn the attention of Ghanaians to the need to pay close attention to the floriculture and horticulture industry.

Many of us only see the aesthetic appeal of the floriculture and horticulture industry. We pass by buildings with amazing flowers and gardens and we simply admire the colour it adds to it. We rarely pay attention to the potential of the entire horticulture and floriculture industry. Elsewhere in Kenya and Ethiopia, gardens and flowers make up a million-dollar industry. It goes beyond the aesthetic appeal and actually contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of these countries.

For instance, the Kenyan economy largely relies on the agriculture sector. The country’s horticulture sub-sector is one of the top foreign exchange earners for the East African country. It generates approximately US$ 1 billion (GH¢4 billion) annually. Last year, while the horticulture industry contributed up to 1.4 per cent of the GDP, flower exports contributed about 1.01 per cent. The picture gets brighter for Kenya because it is estimated that over 500,000 people, including 100,000 flower farm employees, depend on the floriculture industry, impacting over two million livelihoods.

Flowers provide employment

This is a snapshot of benefits we are missing because we only recognise the industry for its aesthetic appeal. The potential of this industry has the ability to curb the unemployment menace in Ghana. A report released by the World Bank, dubbed the “Landscape of jobs in Ghana,” says 48 per cent of the youth between ages 15 and 24 do not have jobs. This is a vacuum that can easily be filled by the horticulture and floriculture industry. This fact makes a strong case for support to be given to initiatives such as the Ghana Garden and Flower Show and the need for active participation of all Ghanaians. 

All the facts, statistics and first-hand experience of the potential of the horticulture and floriculture industry will be laid bare and experienced at the 2016 Ghana Garden and Flower Show scheduled to take place from today, September 8 to 14 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. The floriculture industry is buzzing with excitement and the interest in the industry is expected to peak when the show finally kicks off. Since its inception about four years ago, the event has grown into a week-long activity that attracts patrons from Ghana, Africa and the diaspora. The exciting build-up can be felt in non-flower enthusiasts because every day of the show has an activity that serves the interests of a wide spectrum of people. For instance, lovers of jazz will be treated to an awesome night of pure, unadulterated jazz music at the Jazz Night on September 9. The next day gets even better with lots of food, drinks, fun and excitement at the Party in the Park, and if what happened last year is anything to go by, then it means you need to clear September 10 for the most exciting party. 

Farmer’s market

 Fresh produce from the farm will be on sale at the Farmers’ market from September 10-11. The farmers’ market is quite an attraction for many as it affords patrons the chance to buy quality and well-cultivated foodstuffs right from the source at very competitive prices. The Efua Sutherland Children’s park will on September 11 be transformed into an ambiance that can rival the fiercest runway in Paris for the Fashion in the Park event. It’s an event for all the fashionistas, fashion bloggers, fashion designers and even those who simply want to have a great time. Join Charlotte Prive and a host of other celebrated designers as they showcase their floral-themed, never seen before designs. 

The weight watchers and weight management enthusiasts will be delighted to know that there is an activity carefully planned with them in mind when they visit Pippa’s Garden for the fitness and games session. From September 10-13, seasoned resource persons from the eco-tourism, horticulture and floriculture industry will share their views and insights on the industry in a conference and series of workshops. Organisers of the show, Stratcomm Africa, certainly saved the best for last, with the Ghana Garden and Flower Awards scheduled for September 14. This is an exciting way to climax what is expected to be a memorable week of fun-filled activities. 

September has never been this exciting and promising. Come to the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park and contribute towards a wealthier, healthier, cleaner and more beautiful Ghana. It is another opportunity to harness the enormous potential of the floriculture and horticulture industry. Don’t be left out.