The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has called for stronger national commitment to environmental sustainability, describing the green economy as a critical pathway to building a resilient, prosperous and healthier Ghana.
According to him, the concept of “green” must be viewed beyond its traditional association with vegetation and beautification, as it represents significant economic opportunities, environmental responsibility and climate action.
Dr. Okrah made the observation when he joined the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, and the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa and Convener of the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement, Esther A. N. Cobbah, at the closing ceremony of the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show.
The event, held under the theme “Green Means Business, Beauty and More,” brought together stakeholders and enthusiasts to highlight the economic, environmental and aesthetic value of green spaces, gardening, flowers and sustainable practices.
GREEN BEYOND COLOUR
In his closing address, Dr. Okrah said the central message of this year’s Ghana Garden and Flower Show was clear: green goes far beyond colour.
He explained that the green agenda embodies economic opportunity, environmental responsibility, climate action and a broader blueprint for building a resilient Ghana.
“Green” therefore, he noted, should be integrated into national development efforts as an important component of economic growth and environmental protection.
The TCDA boss said sustainable management of the country’s natural resources must remain a collective responsibility, particularly at a time when environmental degradation and climate-related challenges continue to affect communities and livelihoods.
He stressed that protecting and restoring Ghana’s environment could also create opportunities for businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs and young people.
SEEDLINGS AS INVESTMENT
Dr. Okrah further highlighted the role of the Tree Crops Development Authority in promoting tree planting and sustainable agricultural practices.
He said seedlings distributed by the Authority should not be viewed merely as agricultural inputs, but as strategic investments in Ghana’s environmental future.
According to him, every seedling planted has the potential to contribute to environmental restoration, climate resilience, improved livelihoods and a healthier ecosystem.
He therefore urged Ghanaians to attach greater importance to tree planting and the responsible management of the country’s natural resources.
For the TCDA, he said, supporting the cultivation of tree crops goes beyond increasing agricultural production, as it also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the environment.
CALL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
Dr. Okrah called on government agencies, businesses, farmers, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, development partners and individuals to work together to advance Ghana’s green agenda.
He said achieving a sustainable future required collective action rather than the responsibility of a single institution.
He urged stakeholders to embrace practices that promote environmental conservation while creating opportunities for economic development.
He further stressed the need for a balance between economic prosperity and environmental stewardship, arguing that development should not come at the expense of the country’s natural resources.
TOWARDS A GREENER GHANA
The TCDA Chief Executive Officer said Ghana must pursue a development model in which environmental protection and economic prosperity reinforce each other.
He envisioned a country where green initiatives contribute not only to beautification but also to employment creation, enterprise development, climate resilience, food security and improved quality of life.
Dr. Okrah consequently encouraged the public to see tree planting, gardening, landscaping and other environmental initiatives as important components of national development.
He said the collective objective should be to build a Ghana that is greener, cleaner, healthier, wealthier and more beautiful, with environmental sustainability firmly integrated into the country’s development agenda.
The 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show therefore ended with a renewed call for Ghanaians to translate the green message into practical action and make environmental stewardship a shared national responsibility.
