by Linda Boateng | Jun 18, 2024 | News
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.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
Mr. Bright Manye, the Deputy Director for the Animal Production Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has emphasized that while the government is committed to addressing the challenges facing the poultry sector through various programs, governmental efforts alone will not suffice to overcome the existing hurdles.
Speaking at the launch of the 4th Ghana Poultry Day organized by the Agrihouse Foundation, Mr. Manye highlighted the difficulties Ghanaian poultry farmers face in competing with their international counterparts. “The high cost of feed, which constitutes about 70 percent of production costs, makes it difficult for local farmers to achieve profitability,” he noted. “Any marginal change in feed prices significantly impacts the farmers’ bottom lines.”
In 2020, domestic chicken meat production in Ghana was reported to be around 40,000 metric tons, while imported chicken meat reached a staggering 150,000 metric tons. Besides the high feed costs, farmers also struggle with the high costs of day-old chicks, vaccines, utilities, and the lack of quality processing facilities.
To address these issues, the Government has implemented several projects and programs, including the Livestock Development Project, the National Livestock Services Project, the Ghana Poultry Project, the Rearing for Food and Jobs Programme, and the Savannah Investment Programme. These initiatives aim to tackle the various challenges within the poultry sector.
One of the new initiatives, the West Africa Food System Resilience Project, aims to support anchor farmers in producing about 2 million broilers. Additionally, under the Planting for Food and Jobs II program, funding has been secured to produce some 6 million birds, with more support anticipated through the Harnessing Agriculture Productivity and Prosperity for the Youth (HAPPY) Project.
Mr. Manye underscored the potential of a vibrant poultry sector to create jobs, particularly for women and the youth, and to stimulate economic activities. “A thriving poultry industry could propel economic activities such as input supply, production, processing, and marketing,” he said. “Auxiliary services like husbandry and veterinary services, transportation, equipment repairs, and maintenance could also generate employment opportunities.”
Despite these efforts, Mr. Manye reiterated that collaboration between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders is crucial to effectively overcoming the challenges in the poultry sector.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
Madam Comfort Acheampong, the Coordinator of the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat and Chairperson for the Ghana Poultry Day, has emphasized the need for increased advocacy and promotion to fortify Ghana’s poultry industry.
Addressing attendees at the launch and mini stakeholder meeting for the upcoming 4th Ghana Poultry Day, Madam Acheampong acknowledged the hurdles faced by poultry farmers and industry players but urged a collective effort to overcome these challenges through strategic advocacy and promotion.
Madam Acheampong stated the economic significance of the poultry industry in Ghana, emphasizing its contribution to employment, income generation, and food security. She called upon stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to rally behind initiatives like the Ghana Poultry Day to help strengthen the sector, and increased consumption of locally produced poultry products.
The upcoming festival, scheduled for July 1, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, Under the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Poultry: Roast, Taste, and Nourish the Nation promises a grand celebration of Ghana’s rich poultry heritage. A highlight of the event will be a cooking competition featuring the culinary skills of influential personalities from various sectors, adding vibrancy to the festival and promoting local poultry products.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day is organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by various organizations, including the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Key sponsors include Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, 10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, and Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd.
Agrihouse Foundation invites poultry farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, students, stakeholders in the poultry value chain, and the general public to mark their calendars for July 1, 2024, and join in championing poultry excellence. The event will celebrate achievements, address challenges, and chart a course towards a thriving and sustainable poultry industry in Ghana.
For more information and registration, please contact Deborah at 0541555606, Alberta at 0244623012, or click on the link to register: https://bit.ly/ghanapoultryfest2024.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, has emphasized the significance of going back to our domestic poultry rearing days and maintaining household gardens in contributing to food security in Ghana.
Speaking at the press launch and stakeholders’ meeting for the 4th Ghana Poultry Day on Wednesday, June 5, at the Ghana Tourist Center in Accra, Ms. Akosa highlighted how these time-tested practices aligns with the “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative which is crucial in fostering self-sufficiency and enhancing food security in the country.
She also added that whiles more focus have often been placed on the crops sector, it is crucial that we create a balance between the crop sector and livestock sector, she expressed that celebrating the poultry sector and promoting daily poultry consumption will help create career opportunities in agribusiness and contribute to a healthier population.
Ms. Akosa also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in boosting the poultry sector, citing Agrihouse Foundation’s collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority to promote Agri-tourism. She emphasized the role of poultry in balancing the crop and livestock sectors, positioning it as a key element for sectoral promotion.
The upcoming 4th Ghana Poultry Day , scheduled for July 1, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, promises a grand celebration of Ghana’s rich poultry heritage. A highlight of the event will be a cooking competition featuring the culinary skills of influential personalities from various sectors, adding vibrancy to the festival and promoting local poultry products.
Under the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Poultry: Roast, Taste, and Nourish the Nation,” Ms. Akosa emphasized the event’s goal of raising awareness about the benefits of consuming healthy local chicken and eggs. She stressed the nutritional and medicinal values of Ghanaian poultry and the importance of reducing imports while encouraging youth participation in the poultry sector.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day is organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Key sponsors include Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, 10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, and Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd.
Agrihouse Foundation invites poultry farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, students, stakeholders in the poultry value chain, and the general public to mark their calendars for July 1, 2024, and join in championing poultry excellence. The event will celebrate achievements, address challenges, and chart a course towards a thriving and sustainable poultry industry in Ghana.
For more information and registration, please contact Deborah at 0541555606, Alberta at 0244623012, or click on the link to register: https://bit.ly/ghanapoultryfest2024.
by Linda Boateng | Jun 10, 2024 | News
Agrihouse Foundation, is proud to announce the 4th Ghana Poultry Day Festival slated for Monday, July 1, 2024 at the forecourt of the State House. This annual event serves as a rallying point to highlight the relevance, nutritional values, health benefits, and myriad opportunities within the poultry value chain.
Organized by Agrihouse Foundation and supported by World Initiative for SOY in Human Health (WISHH), Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat and Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers, this year’s event will focus on the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Poultry: Roast, Taste, and Nourish the Nation”. The Ghana Poultry Festival will foster diversity within the poultry industry, embracing the rich flavors, benefits, and breeds that contribute to nourishing the nation.
In a press statement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa said, the 4th Ghana Poultry Day is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of poultry and its invaluable contributions to our nation’s well-being. “Through this event, we aim to showcase the culinary delights of poultry products, promote local sourcing, and further elevate the profile of Ghana’s poultry industry”.
‘’With each passing year, the Ghana Poultry Day grows in significance, serving as a catalyst for positive change within the poultry industry and we are proud to continue our mission of promoting growth, health, and sustainability in the poultry sector. We look forward to welcoming stakeholders from across the industry to join us in this important endeavour”, Said Miss Akosa.
For the past three years, the Ghana Poultry Day has stood as the premier platform for stakeholders across the poultry industry to convene, collaborate, and strategize for the advancement of the sector. This year, the event aims to further champion an advocacy drive, encouraging individuals to patronize, trade, and invest in Ghana’s thriving poultry industry.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day will feature a dynamic program of activities all aimed at highlighting the diverse array of opportunities available within the poultry value chain.
Key highlights of the full-day event include:
Personality – Advocate Chef Cooking Activity: The Cooking Competition, will see MP’s, Footballers, former athletes, media personalities, CEOs, Queen Mothers and schools showcasing their culinary talents by preparing various recipes with poultry products.
Town Hall Discussion: Industry players and actors within the poultry value chain will deliberate on challenges and opportunities for bolstering the sector’s growth. Experienced poultry farmers and key award winners will also share innovative ideas, challenges, and practical methods for promoting the sector’s growth.
Exhibitions: There will be a market linkage platform for poultry farmers, poultry equipment companies, processors, feed companies, development partners, input companies, government agencies, banks, tertiary schools, and research institutions to showcase products and services.
Agrihouse Foundation proudly invites poultry farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, students, stakeholders in the poultry value chain and the general public to mark their calendars for July 1, 2024, join us at the forefront of championing poultry excellence. Together, we will celebrate our achievements, address challenges, and chart a course towards a thriving and sustainable poultry industry in Ghana.
For more information and registration call Deborah 0541555606, Alberta 0244623012 or click on the link to register: https://bit.ly/ghanapoultryfest2024
