Matilda Asante-Asiedu, Head of Corporate Communications at Access Bank Ghana, has indicated the bank’s readiness to support initiatives and programmes that will make the environment more conducive for individuals and businesses operating in Ghana.

She noted that this was in line with Access Bank’s social responsibility policy which was also reflected in the manner in which the bank conducted its business operations in Ghana and beyond.

Mrs. Asante-Asiedu gave the assurance during the just-ended first ever Ghana Garden and Flower Fair in Accra. She stated that the horticulture sector, if developed well, could contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth by helping to create employment and diversifying its revenue streams through export.

She mentioned countries such as Kenya in East Africa, whose vibrant horticulture industry accounted for more than three percent of their GDP. “We are not far from reaching this height, given the favourable weather conditions that we enjoy across the country,” she remarked.

As an environmentally-friendly institution, she said Access Bank Ghana continued to lead the way in responsible and innovative business practices. The Bank’s “Going Green” initiative was recently launched to track, report and manage its environmental footprint performance.

The flower and garden fair was held at the Efua Sutherland Park between August 29 and September 1, this year.

Themed, “Sustainable Gardening in Ghana”, it explored new ways of using horticulture as a tool for employment and income generation. The event was also used to educate the public on the benefits of environmental beautification and provide the necessary drive needed to implement the national gardening policy.

World renowned horticulturist, Keith Edward Kirsten, popularly called “South Africa’s favourite gardener”, was the key facilitator for the event.