The President of the Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GIH), Dr. Abdul Harim Abubakari, has urged the government to invest in horticulture, emphasizing its potential to generate significant foreign exchange and boost Ghana’s economy. Speaking during the 24th annual program of the association at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on November 13, Dr. Abubakari highlighted the challenges facing the sector, including skyrocketing fertilizer prices, galamsey activities, and climate change.
“In previous years, fertilizers were sold for GHC 100, but now the price has increased to GHC 500. This does not support the growth of our sector,” he lamented during an interview with Focus FM’s reporter, Esperiza.
Dr. Abubakari stressed that horticulture has untapped potential to bring in foreign exchange while addressing job creation and food security. He stated, “It has a huge potential to improve the Ghanaian economy, a sector that can bring in the needed foreign exchange for the country.”
At the same event, Chairperson for the Middle Zone of the association, Dr. Otandoh, explained the relevance of this year’s theme, “Agrochemical Usage on Horticultural Crop Production; Our Health, Wealth, and Environment.” He noted that the theme was carefully chosen to align with the realities of an election year and to advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.
The association hopes its advocacy will influence policymakers to prioritize horticulture in national development strategies.