Ghana Vice President calls for greening to be integrated into urban development

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for greening to be integrated into Ghana’s urban development planning rather than treated as an afterthought. Speaking at the opening of the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show, she emphasized that trees, gardens, and green spaces should be planned alongside infrastructure to support expanding cities.

The Vice President noted that recent flooding highlighted the consequences of environmental neglect, specifically how plastic and household waste clog waterways. She argued that maintaining cleanliness and increasing green spaces are interconnected responsibilities.

Beyond environmental benefits, Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the economic potential of the horticulture sector. She stated that investing in green spaces could create business opportunities in landscaping and horticulture, potentially allowing local producers to expand into export markets. She encouraged local authorities and developers to incorporate green elements into projects to foster a sustainable economy involving growers, services, and markets.