Exhibitors and organizers at the 13th Ghana Garden and Flower Show (GGFS) in Accra have called for renewed efforts to green Ghana’s urban spaces, warning that the country’s increasing dependence on concrete and neglect of nature are putting lives and the environment at risk.
The week-long event brought together local and international exhibitors, including Verte Tower, Emperor’s Garden, Shedhouse (University of Ghana Crop Science Department), and Adel’s Flower Haven, who showcased innovations in urban farming, floriculture, and sustainable landscaping.
Concrete Cities, Unhealthy Living
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Esther Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa, organizers of the show, said Ghana’s rapid urbanization had led to the loss of vegetation, worsening flooding and environmental degradation.
“Places where there were forests are now covered with streets and concrete,” she said. “Every year we see people losing their lives to floods, and we think it’s someone else’s fault. But it’s all of us. We are the ones tiling, cementing, and covering every space with hard surfaces that water cannot penetrate.”
She added that plastic pollution and poor urban planning had made flooding worse. “We block the waterways, water cannot seep into the ground, and when it rains, it floods and people die. That is why we need to act now.”
Ms. Cobbah said many urban residents, though educated, remained “illiterate about what keeps us healthy and safe.” She explained that green spaces not only improve the environment but also support physical and mental wellbeing.
“The more concrete we have around us, the less oxygen we get, and that is dangerous,” she said. “When it becomes too hot to walk, we stop walking, and we become unhealthy. Urban spaces must be turned into green places if we want to live healthy and balanced lives.”
Innovation Meets Sustainability
The show’s theme, “Sustainable Living and Environmental Stewardship,” was reflected in the innovations on display. Georgina Iyakwa Tumabuama, CEO of Verte Tower, said her company has developed affordable vertical hydroponic systems that enable households and urban farmers to grow vegetables in small spaces.
“We have created a cost-effective system that fits every pocket, and when customers buy from us, we grow with them through their first two farming cycles,” she said. “This exhibition gave us the exposure we needed. We made sales, gathered feedback, and built valuable connections. Every startup should take advantage of this platform.”
A representative from Shedhouse (UG Crop Science Department) said more Ghanaians were beginning to adopt small-scale gardening and greening initiatives. “Not everyone can afford large-scale projects, but with small setups like these, many people can start from home. This year’s theme is a great opportunity to reduce the concrete in Accra and bring back greenery,” the exhibitor said.
Collaboration and Global Reach
Industry leaders such as Emperor’s Garden and Adel’s Flower Haven commended Stratcomm Africa for consistently promoting Ghana’s horticultural and floricultural industry. They noted that the sector has grown to a point where it can compete globally.
“Thirty years ago, the garden and flower industry was not like this,” one exhibitor said. “Today, we can stand tall beyond Ghana. It’s time to collaborate and showcase the beauty of our work on international platforms like the Chelsea Flower Show.”
Regional Exchange and Cultural Connections
The show also featured participants from other African countries, including Burkina Faso, whose representative expressed appreciation for Ghana’s hospitality. “Ghanaian people are lovely. I am very glad to be here, and I hope to come back next year with more to share,” he said.
Turning Urban Spaces into Green Places
In her closing remarks, Ms. Cobbah drew a connection between spirituality, wellbeing, and the environment. “God created a garden before creating human beings. It means we are unsafe in places without greenery,” she said. “Urban spaces must be turned into green places so we can live safely and in harmony with nature.”
As the curtains fell on the 13th Ghana Garden and Flower Show, the message was clear: greening Ghana’s cities is not just an environmental cause, it is vital for public health, sustainable living, and the nation’s future.
