The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists (GhIH) has held a national symposium on horticulture with the theme: "Better health for all through the consumption of hygienically produced and handled fruits and vegetables".
Chairing the occasion, the Vice - Chancellor of KNUST, Professor W. O. Ellis in an address, deemed it prudent that the institute's chosen theme for the function was apt and timely. He said that, there was the need for such lectures to educate the populace on healthy food and associated benefits. He further stated that through such symposia the management and treatment of diseases could be reduced.
In a welcome address, the President of GhIH, Dr. B. Banful stressed that the symposium formed one of the cardinal activities of the institute where issues relating to horticulture are discussed. He briefed the audience on the history of the institute and disclosed that, the aim of the institute was to primarily take measures to discover methods through which horticulture could be managed efficiently. Dr. Banful also spoke on the objectives and the various sectors of the institute. He mentioned that, the issues on food security and standards on handling fruits and vegetables would be the focus of the symposium.
The Principal of University of Education, Winneba, Mampong - Ashanti, Professor R. T. Awuah in a speech, emphasised on the need of food used as a major tool for the development of a nation. He continued that countries which are unable to provide sufficient food for their citizens are recognised as backward. Professor Awuah hinted on the causes of food contamination through food preparation processes. Concerning the food preparation processes, he highlighted on the diseases which could result through the preparation of food.
The Deputy Director of Crop Research Institute (CSIR) - Kumasi, Dr. Stella A. Ennin explained the importance of horticulture as one of the main research areas of the CSIR. She spelt out the effects that excessive use of agro chemicals have on horticultural crops.
The Deputy Director of Soil Research Institute (SIR) - Kumasi, Dr. Mohammed Moro Buri underscored the important roles soil plays in the growth of food. He said that, through such seminars, soil hazards could be reduced. He made known that, the Soil Research Institute was willing to collaborate with the Horticulture Institute to work effectively.
The first speaker, Dr. Mrs. Pearl Adu Amankwaah gave a detailed presentation on the hygienic production and safe handling of fruits and vegetables focusing on the pre - harvest, harvest and post - harvesting issues. She also lectured on the standards in which some fruits and vegetables should be handled.
The second speaker, Dr. Mrs. Patricia Brown dissected the consumption of fruits and vegetables where she highlighted on food safety issues.
In his closing remark, the Vice - Chancellor, Prof. W. O Ellis advised student - agriculturists to take proactive measures to educate society on the hygienic and food safety methods to enhance their wellbeing. He congratulated the various speakers for the quantum of knowledge shared at the symposium. He also appreciated the assistance of the sponsors for the programme.
Others present at the programme were, Prof. Akroma of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Dean and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Heads of various Departments, Agya Koo Nimo and his Adadem group as well as students of the Agriculture Faculty.
