Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with the Bono Regional Agricultural Directorate and Bono Regional Coordinating Council, has officially opened nominations for the sixth edition of the annual Gold in the Soil Awards. Over the past six years, this prestigious awards scheme has gained immense credibility among agricultural stakeholders and development partner organizations. It is dedicated to recognizing, empowering, celebrating, and rewarding small-scale women farmers and persons with disabilities who contribute significantly to their communities through farming and agribusiness activities.
In a press statement, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted the awards’ impact. She noted that the initiative has recognized and supported over 8000 smallholder women farmers and farmers with disabilities across various regions, including the Volta, Ashanti, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions. This year, the mission continues in the Bono Region.
“Annually, we shortlist and feature forty-five (45) women for the Gold in the Soil Awards Documentary. We select three (3) women from each of the fifteen (15) categories. It is our policy and mandate to award and support all persons with disabilities who are nominated, reaffirming our commitment to empower these individuals,” said Ms Akosa.
The awards span fifteen categories, including: Super Woman Farmer Award, Passion for Farm Award, She Innovates Award, Climate Smart Women Project Award, Outstanding Woman in Extension Services Award, Royal Agro Award, Diamond in the Rough Award, Feed to Foods Award, Change Champion Award, Development Partner Award, Lady of the Export Region Award, Star Woman Agripreneur Award, Princess Carla Award and the ultimate Gold in the Soil Award.
This year, two new categories have been introduced which is the Supportive Agri-Man: Recognizes a man who continuously supports rural women producers, women-led agribusinesses, agro-processors, and more within communities and the Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year which seeks to Honor a young woman who has significantly impacted her community by ensuring farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs, enhancing farm activities, and transforming livelihoods.
“We believe the Gold in the Soil Award is a crucial event that highlights the vital contributions of women farmers to Ghana’s agricultural sector. By celebrating their achievements, we aim to inspire more women to pursue careers in agriculture and provide them with the necessary support to succeed,” added Madam Akosa.
The awards receive an average of five hundred (500) nominations annually. Out of these, forty-five women are shortlisted and interviewed for the Gold in the Soil Awards documentary series, produced by Agrihouse. The documentary tells the inspiring stories of these agriwomen, showcasing their journeys, successes, and the impacts of their work on their lives and communities.
The Gold in the Soil Awards will be held on the second day of the annual Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC). This year, the two-day event will take place from Tuesday, July 9, to Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Sunyani, Bono Region, under the theme: “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders.”
For more information or to submit your nominations, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSgdPbKyMi8ce0nMguAk0xfOl6Zg75ntdiqIRnX7WRvUIZFA/viewform?usp=sf_link: or contact Alberta at 0244623012, Regina at 0241371179, or Annibel at 0544704684.