Mrs Esther Cobbah, the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcom Africa, has called on Ghanaians to embrace horticulture and floriculture as a profession or habit to ensure economic growth and environmental beautification.

She noted that the development of the horticultural and floriculture industry in Ghana would not just beautify the environment but also create employment and revenue for the country.

Mrs Cobbah made the call at the opening of the Exotic Flora and Landscape Centre at West Legon in Accra.

Over 1,000 species, including fitonnia, bamboo stick, air plant, Vanda orchids, roses and hydrangea, are on sale.

Mrs Cobbah said the industry had the potential to creating employment for the teeming youth as well as earning foreign exchange to support the economy, and called for all hand to be on deck.

She commended management of the Centre for the initiative, which would help build public interest and passion in the value of flowers.

“I have tremendous faith in the willingness of Ghanaians to unite behind worthy causes. I have… no doubt that together we will succeed in the horticulture and floriculture sector in helping to diversify our economy, increase our foreign earnings and contribute to the development and beautification of our motherland,” Mrs Cobbah said.

Mr Kwasi Bugya Akyeampong, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, said the Centre had acquired a 20-acre land to establish a park at Apollonia, near Oyibi, in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality, to support the Government’s initiative of Planting for Food and Jobs.

He said growing flowers in homes and workplaces, among other areas, would boost Ghana’s tourism by making her more attractive.

He challenged the youth to make good use of the opportunity the Centre provides and harness the benefits.