Access Bank Continues to Champion Initiatives that Empowers Women to Foster Sustainable Development

Access Bank Continues to Champion Initiatives that Empowers Women to Foster Sustainable Development

Access Bank PLC, a leading financial institution renowned for its innovative financial solutions and proactive approach to promoting economic development, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting women in agriculture.

In line with its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Access Bank, through its partnership with Agrihouse Foundation for the 6th gathering of the Royals, extended support to over one thousand participants, including 200 Queen Mothers from across the sixteen Regions, 265 Women Farmers and Farm Associations from across the sixteen regions of Ghana, and seventy women Agri-processors.

This collaboration exemplifies Access Bank’s commitment to providing both technical assistance and financial aid, thereby empowering women in the agricultural sector.

In a statement, the Zonal Head Of Retail Banking At Access Bank Ghana PLC, Josephine Eva Arthur, stated that Access Bank  recognizes the contribution of women in the economy and is keen on empowering women in Ghana and across Africa in the agricultural value chain by providing them with access to finance, networking opportunities and quality customer service.

‘’We all know that women are the backbone of the family and the economy. Access Bank  have also  realized that many women in the agribusiness value chain lack  the maximum support to excel in the sector so basically wants to empower women and enable them to succeed . We believe that by doing so, they can contribute to their families, communities, and the country as a whole..

 As part of Access Bank’s corporate social responsibility, we ensure we provide women in the agribusiness value chain with capacity building to excel in their individual ventures.”

Access Bank PLC ‘s  partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation underscores our  commitment to making a positive impact in communities and driving meaningful change in the agricultural landscape. As a responsible corporate citizen, Access Bank continues to champion initiatives that empower women, foster sustainable development, and build a brighter future for all.

The 6th Gathering of the Royals, held on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” provided a platform for queen mothers across the sixteen regions of Ghana who are actively involved in farming and women agribusiness to meet with stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the farming sector in their respective regions and seek solutions.

The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, in appreciating Access Bank PLC’s , highlighted the significant impacts and contributions of their partnership for the 6th Gathering of the Royals in providing an invaluable platform for the over five hundred and forty-seven participants.

“I am honored to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Access Bank and all our sponsors for their commitment in aligning with our vision and passion to influence agribusiness growth and recognize women’s advancement within the sector.

Through their contributions, we were able to host a highly successful event, out of which participants engaged in substantive discussions, exchanged farming experiences, and addressed critical issues affecting their regions and communities, from enhancing access to resources to overcoming market challenges and promoting sustainable practices. These discussions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana’s agricultural sector.”

The 6th Gathering of the Royals, held on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” also included a Royal Panel discussion led by Queen Mother Nana Akuamoah II of Tuobodom. Esteemed panelists included Queen Mother Nana Auah Tawiah I of Swfi Asempa Na Eye in the Western North Region, Queen Mother Nana Adwoa Larboh I of Yji Traditional Area in the Bono East Region, as well as Miriama Saaka, Queen Mother of Sadoboora-Wungu Traditional Area in the North East Region, and Braimah Azara Kabachewurche Timu Burnyanso I, Queen Mother of Kabache-Kpeme Traditional Council in the Savannah Region. Also present were Nana Aba Kyere III, Queen Mother of Abirem Agona in the Central Region, Queen Mother Nana Amponsah Sekle II of Mafi Gidikpi Number 1 in the Volta Region, and Nana Darkowaaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, Paramount Queen Mother of Yamfo Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region.

These Queen Mothers shared insights into the challenges they face in their respective regions, which included limited access to land, lack of financial support, difficulties in accessing market linkages, absence of modern mechanized equipment for farming, inadequate road networks, lack of extension services, and absence of pension schemes for farmers, among others.

Agrihouse Foundation is assured to take driven measures in response to the challenges identified. The next line of action encompasses implementing tailored initiatives to directly tackle these obstacles, advocating for policy reforms to create a more conducive environment for women in agriculture, and offering comprehensive support services to empower women and foster sustainable practices within the agribusiness sector.

in attendance were Dignitaries including the Former First Lady Of The Republic Of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman -Rawlings, Zambian High Commissioner , H.E. Excellency Timothy Mwaba Walamba, Deputy High  Commissioner Of Kenya To Ghana, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklo Agyemang Iv, Adidome Chief , Deputy Minister For Food And Agriculture In charge Of Crops, Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo ,Oyeabour Anobaa Sasraku, Larteh Sumankwaa Hene and representatives from private institutions, academia, research associations, and civil society organizations making a remarkable results in building collaboration, sharing great practices, and forging partnerships focused at addressing the challenges faced by women in agriculture.

Other sponsors of the event included Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited (AMG), Delta Paper Mill Limited , Twellium Industrial Company Limited and Rejuvenate Gaia Global Limited and Rainbow Agrosciences .

Agrihouse Foundation’s Alberta to Speak at the International Business Models in Agriculture in Kigali, Rwanda

Agrihouse Foundation’s Alberta to Speak at the International Business Models in Agriculture in Kigali, Rwanda

The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, is set to address a global audience at the International Business Models in Agriculture in Kigali, Rwanda on March 25th – 28th on the topic: unlocking the potential of the rural youth (women and men) for innovation in the agriculture sector.

The International Business Models in Agriculture Conference (IBMA), organized by the Africa Organization of Technology in Agriculture (AOTA) in collaboration with the University of Rwanda , Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB),under the theme: ‘Reshaping Agribusiness Models for Building Prosperous Rural Communities’’ is a pivotal platform for open dialogue and exchanging ground breaking ideas to catalyze rapid and meaningful change in the agriculture value chain sector.

The event is dedicated to fostering the essential transformation the agriculture value chain urgently requires. By bringing together minds from around the world, the event aims to create an environment that fuels significant advancement in the agriculture sector, moving the life of agripreneurs from the isolation of poverty to the cohesion of prosperity.

According to Isaac kagara ,Founder and President of Africa Organization of Technology in Agriculture , the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation has been invited to speak at the 2024 International Business Models in Agriculture in acknowledgment to the substantial efforts and impact that Agrihouse Foundation has achieved and their consistency  impacts they continue to make in Ghana’s agricultural sector, especially in youth advocacy ,women empowerment and enhancing market accessibility through their initiatives ,project and interventions.

The conference, is expected to unite a diverse assembly of more than 500 delegates, including prominent Government officials, respected academic experts in business and agriculture, leading Agritech enterprises, Innovative researchers, NGOs committed to change in the agriculture sector, dedicated farmers, and farmer’s leaders, forward thinking investors, dynamic entrepreneurs and ambitious agribusiness startups.

Emphasizing on the significance of reshaping Agriculture models, Ms. Alberta’s keynote address on Unlocking the Potential of The Rural Youth (Women and Men) For Innovation in The Agriculture Sector, will place prominence on agriculture economic impact and entrepreneurial opportunities.

It is also expected to highlight Agribusiness modules, that work, using Agrihouse Foundation’s initiatives as a case study and further touch in innovations, creativity and that attract the rural youth to embrace Agricultural opportunities, whiles increasing output and steadily improving the livelihoods.

Agrihouse Foundation has a proven track record of implementing initiatives aimed at unlocking the potential of rural youth, both women and men, for innovation in the agriculture sector.

These initiatives Includes, the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Agrifemale Initiative, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums and the Gold in the Soil Awards.

Others are the annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions and the livestock poultry and fisheries tradeshow, Ghana Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibitions And Awards (GACA), AG-WONI, 1Household, 1 garden, poultry day, and the most recent, being the rural community initiative for input accessibility dealership drive.

Other speakers on the panel where Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Is Scheduled To Speak also Includes Ms. Aline Kabanda, Rwanda Country Director JASIRI, Ms.Kudirat Temitope Ande,Executive Director of One Africa Com Limited ,Nigeria And Mr. Emmanuel Ndayizigigye,Founder And Chief Executive Officer ,Yalla Group ,Rwanda

Other speakers at the forum will also include, Ambassador Naeem Kham CSP FSP High Commissioner Rwanda, Prof. Muganga Didas Kayihura, Vice Chancellor, University of Rwanda, Dr. Ron Rosati, Vice Chancellor, Rwanda Institute for Conversation Agriculture, others includes ,Kagara Issac, Founder and President; African Organization of Technology in Agriculture (AOTA), Prof. PLO Lumumba Foundation, Advocate of the High Course of Kenya and Tanganyika, Dr. Nimrod Israel IBMA Co-Founder and Chairman, OluwaTobi Lovv Founder, CEO and President of sharelow International among others .

Queen Mothers Advocate for Collaboration for Women in Agriculture

Queen Mothers Advocate for Collaboration for Women in Agriculture

The President of the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana, Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu, has urged women in the agricultural value chain to prioritize collaboration, aimed at  to enhancing  women empowerment in the sector.

Addressing attendees at the sixth edition of the “Gathering of the Royals,” organized by the Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with the Queen Mothers Foundation, themed “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honoring Women’s Advancement,”

Nana Ama Bonsu underscored the transformative potential of diversity, urging women to unite and propel the sector towards excellence. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in agriculture, she stressed the importance of harnessing their collective strength to achieve sustainable development goals.

Nana Ama Bonsu underscored the transformative potential of diversity, urging women to unite and propel the sector towards excellence. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in agriculture, she stressed the importance of harnessing their collective strength to achieve sustainable development goals.

she also  expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s tireless efforts in promoting sustainable development and fostering partnerships aimed at driving positive change in the agricultural sector. She emphasized the crucial role of organizations like Agrihouse Foundation in providing platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within the agricultural community.

The 6th Gathering of the Royals brought together over a thousand participants, including ninety-six Queen Mothers from across the sixteen regions of Ghana, two hundred and sixty-five Women Farmers and Farm Associations, and seventy women Agri-processors. Dignitaries from various sectors, such as development partners, government agencies, private institutions, academia, research associations, and civil society organizations, also participated.

Through insightful discussions, networking sessions, and cultural showcases, the event facilitated the exchange of ideas, sharing of best practices, and formation of partnerships aimed at driving sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

During the Royal Panel discussion, led by Nana Akuamoah II , Queen Mother of Tuobodom, and Nana Akuah Tawiah I, Queen Mother of Sefwi Asempa Na Eye in the Western North Region, Nana Adwoa Larboh I, Queen Mother of Yji Traditional Area in the Bono East Region, and others such as Miriama Saaka, Queen Mother of Sadoboora-Wungu Traditional Area in the Northeast Region, and Braimah Azara Kabachewurche Timu Burnyanso I, Queen Mother of Kabache-Kpeme Traditional Council in the Savannah Region. Also present were Nana Aba Kyere III , Queen Mother of Abirem Agona in the Central Region, Queen Mother Nana Amponsah Sekle II of Mafi Gidikpi Number 1 in the Volta Region, and Nana Darkowaaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, Paramount Queen Mother of Yamfo Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region the queen mothers  shared insights into the challenges facing women in agriculture.

These challenges include limited access to land, lack of financial support, difficulties in accessing market linkages, absence of modern mechanized equipment for farming, inadequate road networks, lack of extension services, and the absence of pension schemes for farmers.

The Queen Mothers  however  appealed to the government and corporate organizations to extend their support to address these pressing issues, thereby fostering a conducive environment for women in agriculture to thrive.The 6th Gathering of the Royals was held in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana. Corporate sponsors, including Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited, Twellium Ghana Limited, Rainbow Agrosciences, Access Bank, Delta Paper Mill (FLORAL TISSUE), Rejuvenate Gaia Global Limited, and ADDFRA,

Agrihouse Foundation Commemorates International Women’s Day with a Call for Gender Equality in Agriculture

Agrihouse Foundation Commemorates International Women’s Day with a Call for Gender Equality in Agriculture

Agrihouse Foundation proudly joins the global community in celebrating the 2024 International Women’s Day, a significant occasion dedicated to recognizing and honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of women worldwide.

In a statement  the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation,Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, underscored the profound resonance of this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building a Better Future,” with its core mission of promote gender equality and empowering  women through Agriculture .

Agrihouse Foundation proudly joins the global community in celebrating the 2024 International Women’s Day, a significant occasion dedicated to recognizing and honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of women worldwide.

In a statement  the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation,Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, underscored the profound resonance of this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building a Better Future,” with its core mission of promote gender equality and empowering  women through Agriculture .

Agrihouse Foundation reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for gender equity and inclusivity within the agricultural sector, particularly in Ghana. Recognizing that gender equality in agriculture is pivotal for achieving sustainable development and breaking the cycle of poverty, Agrihouse Foundation pledges to tirelessly address gender disparities by championing policies and programs that foster equal opportunities for all genders.

 emphasizing the fundamental importance of ensuring equal access and opportunities for women in agriculture.  the executive director ,advocate for the recognition of women’s rights in agriculture, including the right to equitable access and opportunities comparable to their male counterparts.

As International Women’s Day serves as a reminder to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women both in Ghana and globally, Agrihouse Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to all women who have contributed to the advancement of agriculture and society at large. Furthermore, we call upon all stakeholders to join hands in celebrating these achievements and collectively advocating for gender equality in agriculture.

In unity, Agrihouse Foundation believes that by breaking down barriers and fostering an environment of equal opportunity, we can collectively build a brighter and more inclusive future for all individuals involved in agriculture, regardless of gender.

Twellium Industrial Company Limited Supports the Progress Of Women In Agriculture

Twellium Industrial Company Limited Supports the Progress Of Women In Agriculture

In a remarkable display of commitment to women’s advancement in the agricultural sector, Twellium Industrial Company Limited, a renowned and respected player in the beverage industry stepped forward as a sponsor for the sixth Gathering of the Royals.

The producers of one of the most sold beverages, planet, Verna etc. supplied over 100 items during the event that contributed to ensuring that attendees were refreshed whilst the gathering was in session.

As part of Twellium’s commitment towards women advancement for the event, Madam Emelia Gyasi, the Assistant Marketing Manager of the Company reiterated that their team is committed to helping the nation and women who are key personnel in contributing their quota within the agricultural frat.

“We decided to come on board because we believe in helping the nation and women because they are the key and pivotal people when it comes to building the nation and the agricultural sector.” Gyasi stated

The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, expressing a profound gratitude to Twellium Industrial Company Limited and other companies who partnered to ensure a successful execution of the event, stated:

.”We are happy and grateful to Twellium Industrial company Limited for sponsoring this year’s 6th gathering of the royals. Their commitment in their mission to support women, promote agribusinesses, and contribution to women’s advancement in agribusiness aligns with our works at Agrihouse Foundation”

“We express our heartfelt gratitude to Twellium Industrial company Limited for their support and partnership, we believe that this partnership would go a long way.”

This year’s sixth  Gathering of the Royals was held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honoring Women’s Advancement,” brought together over one thousand participants which included Ninety-six Queen Mothers from across the sixteen Regions, two hundred and sixty-five (265) Women Farmers And Farm Associations from across the sixteen regions of Ghana, and seventy women Agri-processors commanding value and volume within the agricultural sector ,Dignitaries from diverse sectors such as development partners, government agencies, private institutions, academia, research associations, and civil society organizations .

After five years of successfully organizing the gathering of the royals, some Queen Mothers including Nana Odeatwon, Queen Mother of Tokurano Traditional Area in the Oti Region, Adwoa Tabea, Queen mother of Dormaa Gyasi Manukorahemaa in the Bono Region and Nana Akyaa Nantee from the Ashanti Region highlighted the impacts of the event over the years.

Sharing their experiences, the Queen mothers at the event noted that the Gathering of the Royals event has exposed them to networking with professionals and development partners present and had empowered them to initiate women groups within their various communities to foster agri-innovations.

They further expressed gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation for giving them the platform and opportunity to connect and to be connected within the Agric value chain
Through thought-provoking conversations and networking sessions, the 6th Gathering of the Royals provided queen mothers with a unique opportunity to network, learn from each other’s experiences, and discuss ways to drive progress in the agricultural sector.