The 13th Ghana Garden and Flower Show (GGFS) has opened in Accra with a call for citizens, entrepreneurs, and institutions to help expand green spaces across Ghana.

Organisers say greening urban areas is vital for public health, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The week-long event, which runs from September 20 to 28 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, is being held under the theme “Urban Places, Green Spaces.”

Since its launch in 2013 with just 14 exhibitors, the show has grown to nearly 100, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Stratcomm Africa CEO, Esther Cobbah, said the growth of the show reflects the impact of collaboration and consistency.

She urged companies to go beyond seasonal beautification projects and commit to long-term urban greening.

“To the organisations who seasonally decorate cities for beautification, I entreat you not just to cover the realities of these concrete jungles with light, but to cover the city with plants,” she said.

Former Maldives president and Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, Mohamed Nasheed, pointed to economic opportunities in Ghana’s Climate Prosperity Plan.

“An average tree captures 15 kilograms of carbon, which Ghana can trade with countries that exceed their carbon emissions,” he explained, stressing that Ghana could benefit from carbon credits.

Registrar-General, Ama Issahaque, highlighted the importance of innovation in horticulture.

She explained that Plant Variety Protection (PVP) laws give breeders exclusive rights for up to 25 years, helping them recover investments and encouraging growth in the sector.

Representing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Audrey Quarcoe praised companies adopting clean energy and recycling initiatives. She also called on businesses to turn environmental challenges into opportunities.

“Green urban spaces are not luxuries – they are public health necessities,” she stressed, urging citizens to support tree planting campaigns and encouraging schools to start garden clubs to teach environmental stewardship.

The show, which is the flagship event of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, continues to push for a cultural shift where creating and protecting green spaces becomes a nationwide priority.