Dr. Frank Ackah, popularly known as “The Gardener” and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Crop Science, has called on the Ghanaian government to give urgent attention to the horticulture industry, an often-overlooked sector with enormous economic potential.
Speaking with The High Street Journal, he lamented that “the parks and gardens are collapsing… and the school that used to train horticulturists has been abandoned.”
According to Dr. Ackah, horticulture is a multi-million-dollar industry capable of employing many, including those with minimal formal education. He noted that in Ghana, public institutions often rely on untrained workers, so-called “garden boys”, to maintain landscapes, while trained horticulturists struggle to find employment. “Why are we training people in the university when we are not employing them into such sectors?” he asked.
Highlighting the contrast with other countries, Dr. Ackah explained that in Europe, landscapes are managed by professionals with degrees, masters, and even PhDs, and the quality of plant selection reflects careful planning.
“Even whenever I’m passing by the Flagstaff House… it tells me clearly, we don’t even have the right people doing that job,” he added. He also pointed out the booming local market for ornamental plants and seedlings, some of which sell for as much as $5,000, emphasizing the sector’s economic potential.
Dr. Ackah urged government action, calling for investment in the industry, the employment of horticulturists at district assemblies and state institutions, and support for local businesses.
He argued that with proper attention, Ghana could emulate Kenya in exporting flowers and ornamental plants, creating jobs, beautifying public spaces, and generating revenue. “When we invest into the horticulture industry… and government absorbs these people… it could go a long way,” he said.
