From Gardens to Global Markets: Ghana Can Bloom into a Billion Euro Horticulture Powerhouse

Kenya earns more than 800 million dollars annually from flower exports. The Netherlands reaps over 7 billion euros each year from its flower industry, employing tens of thousands of people. These success stories highlight the vast opportunities Ghana could seize if it turns its growing horticulture sector into a full-scale export industry.

At the opening of the 13th Ghana Garden and Flower Show in Accra, the Registrar-General of Ghana, Ms Grace Ama Issahaque, called on local entrepreneurs to follow the lead of global players by moving from small-scale domestic production into large-scale commercial horticulture targeted at international markets.

“It is time for our florists to move from growing for a few to growing for continents through innovative breeding practices and tap into the billion euro markets for agriculture and horticultural products,” she said.

Lessons from Global Leaders
Kenya’s Naivasha region has become a model of how horticulture can fuel economic growth. Flower cultivation there supports schools, funds community projects, and generates thousands of jobs. Roses alone account for 66 percent of Kenya’s cut flower exports, helping the country rake in about 835 million dollars in 2024.

The Netherlands, the world’s flower capital, shows what scale and innovation can achieve. Dutch growers export more than 7.1 billion euros worth of flowers and plants annually, with the industry providing employment for over 83,000 people. Ghana, with its geographical closeness to Amsterdam, sits in a strategic position to break into Europe’s lucrative flower markets.

Ghana’s Performance and Emerging Opportunities
According to data from the Ghana Exports Promotion Authority (GEPA), in 2024, Ghana’s agricultural exports showed a diverse range of performances, with some products recording strong growth while others faced declines. Flower exports rose from USD 5.47 million in 2023 to USD 5.83 million in 2024, representing a 6.83 percent increase. This growth reflects rising demand for cut flowers, particularly from European markets, and signals the benefits of improved horticultural practices and better trade access.

The performance of flowers was part of a broader trend in niche agricultural products. Exports of medicinal plants and parts grew by 12.04 percent, supported by surging global interest in herbal remedies and natural medicines. Ghana’s diverse flora positions the country well to take advantage of this fast-growing market.

Despite these gains, Ghana’s current earnings remain modest compared with leading exporters, highlighting significant untapped potential if the country scales up production and leverages its competitive advantages.

The Intellectual Property Advantage
Ms Issahaque explained that Ghana already has the legal tools to compete. The Plant Variety Protection Act grants breeders exclusive rights over new plant varieties for up to 25 years, allowing them to profit from their innovations through exports, licensing, and partnerships.

“Plant breeding is a long and expensive process, but once successful, new varieties are easily reproduced. Without protection, innovators lose the chance to recover their investments. With Plant Variety Protection, breeders can generate revenue, license their varieties, and compete globally,” she said.

The law aligns with the UPOV 1991 Convention, giving Ghana international credibility and ensuring breeders are incentivized to develop resilient, high-yielding crops that boost food security, productivity, and profitability.

Urban Growth and Green Spaces
Beyond exports, Ms Issahaque reminded Ghanaians that horticulture is also critical to urban well-being. Ghana’s cities are expanding rapidly, bringing challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and stress. Green spaces, she said, must be treated not as luxuries but as necessities that improve health, reduce environmental waste, and create economic value.

She commended STRATCOM Africa, organizers of the Ghana Garden and Flower Show, for consistently promoting horticulture at the national level. This year’s theme, “Urban Places, Green Spaces,” she noted, highlights how the industry contributes to both social and economic development.

The Call to Compete Globally
Ms Issahaque concluded her address with a firm call for action, urging Ghanaian businesses to leverage the country’s legal framework, invest in innovative breeding, and scale up production to compete internationally.

“With the right structures in place, Ghana can transform its horticulture from backyard gardens into a global trade powerhouse,” she said.

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