–Accra, Ghana

The Osae-Addo and Adu family received a surprise when visiting the Legon Botanical Gardens this weekend. A brand new Lappset playground from Finland! Kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed the high quality play equipment and promised to return the next weekend with more friends.

The Legon Botanical Gardens was built in the 1960s as part of the University of Ghana Legon. Since 2012, Kofi Boakye Yiadom, a social entrepreneur, has upgraded parts of the garden for enjoyment by the public.

The new garden is a public/private venture with a mission of “conference with nature.” Mr Yiadom has worked tirelessly to turn the gardens into a children’s playground, science museum and natural laboratory where children can have a space to play, discover, share and cultivate teamwork.

So why did he choose Finnish equipment? Mr. Boakye-Yiadom studied Urban Design in Holland before returning to his homeland of Ghana to contribute his quota to national development. He recently spent 3 weeks in Finland, to learn all about Lappset playground and sporting equipment. Mr Yiadom, the Nordic parents of Ghana salute you! A great example of Nordic African collaboration! Ayekoo!