Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with the Queen Mothers Foundation, Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, will on Thursday, February 29, 2024 host the 6th annual Gathering of The Royals .
The event to be held at the GNAT Hall in Accra, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honoring Women’s Advancement,”, promises a day packed with enlightening discussions and valuable networking opportunities.
Speaking at the press briefing for the 6th Gathering of the Royals, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, outlined the event’s objective to delve into issues surrounding gender and its impact on advancing and nurturing sustainable women farmers across various regions of Ghana. delving into the pivotal roles of queen-mothers in spearheading agricultural growth, development, and change within their respective regions.
Ms. Akosa passionately emphasized the significance of this year’s Gathering of The Royals as a strategic platform for influencing policy directions, forging stronger partnerships among traditional leaders, and driving comprehensive growth in the agricultural sector.
Speaking ardently about the theme, “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honoring Women’s Advancement,” Ms.Akosa ,underlined the pressing need to address gender disparities within the agricultural landscape.
The Executive Director stressed the theme’s emphasis on cultivating gender equality in agriculture, advocating for concerted efforts to empower women in agribusiness and afford them equal opportunities for growth and advancement. Ms. Akosa highlighted the indispensable role of women in agriculture, while lamenting the systemic barriers they often encounter, hindering their full participation and contribution to the sector’s development.
Through this year’s event, Ms. Akosa reiterated the intention to celebrate and honor the achievements of women in agriculture, alongside championing meaningful policy interventions and support systems that promote gender equality. She emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive agricultural ecosystem that recognizes and values the contributions of women farmers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
The Queen Mother for Kwamankese Traditional Area , Nana Kobiiwaa Ackwah, speaking on behalf of the President of the Queen Mothers Foundation, Nana Serwaa Bonsu, at the press briefing, stated the crucial role of Queen Mothers in driving agricultural development within their communities.
“Queen mothers are the backbone of their communities,” Ackwah stated, highlighting their firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in their regions. She stressed the importance of leveraging this knowledge and expertise through collaboration with Agrihouse Foundation to find innovative solutions that can positively impact the agricultural sector across Ghana.
Nana Kobiiwaa Ackwah, shared that the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana has been actively involved in empowering women in agriculture, providing training and resources to enhance their skills and productivity. She urged the need for continued support and partnerships to ensure the success and sustainability of these initiatives.
She expressed gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation for consistently creating platforms to address agricultural issues through various initiatives, reiterating their commitment to creating an inclusive and collaborative environment where the voices of queen mothers are heard, respected, and valued
The Greater Accra Region, is set to witness for the 6th year running, a gathering of over Two Hundred and Seventy-Five Queen-Mothers and Women in Agriculture, across the Sixteen Regions in Ghana, on Thursday February 29,2024 at the GNAT Hall.
In a statement, the Founder and Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa said, that this year’s event, to be held under the THEME: “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,”. is expected to delve into issues on gender, and its influence in advancing and building sustainable women farmers across the regions of Ghana.
The half day program will also dive deep into the queen-mothers and detail their individual roles in spearheading Agricultural growth, development and change across their respective regions
Also, as part of the activities for this year, we get to celebrate women who have stood and fought positively, for gender advancement for many years while advocating for meaningful policy interventions and support systems that promote gender equality.
Over the past five (5) years, the Gathering of the Royals event, has established itself as a cornerstone interventional initiative, providing a vital platform for Queen Mothers in farming and other Agribusiness value chains, to engage in meaningful conversations.
Together, they tackle pressing issues, peculiar to their communities and Regions, such as access to resources, market challenges, and the imperative for sustainable practices.
Through collaborative brainstorming and feedback, with Public Sector, Corporate Bodies and Financial Institutions, at the event, they seek innovative solutions to foster a thriving and inclusive agricultural landscape.
The event, which has since its inception, brought together over 2,973 queen-mothers, women in agribusiness, processors, political leaders, women farmers, assemblymen, DCEs, and community leaders, and stakeholders across the agriculture value chain has been able to successfully facilitate the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to further extend Extension Support to some of the farming areas within communities that were previously deprived of extension support.
Also in 2021, an Agri-booster Module was introduced, where Queen Mothers serve as entry point for companies to offer training to farmers, soil sampling and testing, and provision of input to beginner and growing farmers, to kick-start or expand their farming activities.
In the midst of Ghana’s election year, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, has emphasized the critical need to maintain and promote agricultural peace and development within farming communities.
Addressing attendees at the press briefing for the 6th Gathering of Royals, held under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” at the Ghana Tourist Information Center on Monday, February 12th, 2024, Ms. Akosa underscored the importance of prioritizing agricultural stability, particularly in the current political climate.
“In this electioneering period, it is imperative that we maintain and promote Agri-peace and development within our farming communities,” stated Ms. Akosa. “The agricultural sector is the backbone of our nation’s economy, and ensuring its stability devoid of any form of political violence is crucial for sustainable development.”
Ms. Akosa reiterated Agrihouse Foundation’s commitment to supporting and empowering farming communities, emphasizing the role of collaboration and collective action in driving positive change.
“As we navigate through this election year, let us remain steadfast in our efforts to promote agricultural peace and development,” urged Ms. Akosa. “By working together, we can build a brighter future for our farming communities and ensure the prosperity of our nation.”
the Executive Director also called upon politicians and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to join hands in this endeavor. “I urge politicians to prioritize agricultural peace and development in their agendas. Stakeholders in the agricultural value chain should actively engage in promoting dialogue and cooperation to address challenges and seize opportunities in our agricultural sector,” she emphasized.
Furthermore, Ms. Akosa highlighted that the 6th Gathering of Royals, set to take place on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, at the GNAT Hall in Accra,under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” will actively seek to achieve this call to action. The event aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and concrete action towards promoting agricultural peace and development.
The 6th Gathering of Royals, set to take place on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” will also aim to further the discussion on agricultural development and empowerment. With a focus on promoting gender equality and honoring women’s contributions in agriculture, the event seeks to inspire meaningful change and foster sustainable growth.
Agrihouse Foundation is excited to announce the upcoming 14th Agri-Woman Marketplace, scheduled for February 23rd, 2024. The event, to be held at the Tetteh Quashie interchange, adjacent to the Accra Mall, promises to be a powerful platform supporting women in agribusiness.
Now in its fourteenth year, the Agri-Woman Marketplace, an initiative spearheaded by Agrihouse Foundation, has rapidly become a beacon of support for women in the agricultural sector. Over the past year, this dynamic platform has played a pivotal role in aiding women to regain, expand, and market their agricultural produce, products, and services. By providing valuable exhibitions and marketing opportunities, the marketplace empowers women to not only sell and promote their offerings but also to expand their access to markets.
In a statement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “The Agri-Woman Marketplace is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of women in agriculture. It provides a platform for them to showcase their products, connect, network, and empower each other. We believe that by supporting women in agribusiness, we contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector and the nation as a whole.”
The Monthly Agri-Woman Marketplace is open to every woman in agribusiness, and Agrihouse Foundation actively encourages women to register and be a part of this transformative event. The foundation views this marketplace as a practical means for women to empower themselves, harness the power of networking, and build resilience in the agricultural sector, thereby significantly contributing to food nutrition and security.
Agri-women interested in participating as exhibitors can register through this link https://forms.gle/nkQhmLaiHNNWnaaQA or contact 0244656128, 0551623862, and 0244623012 for further assistance.
About Agrihouse Foundation:
Agrihouse Foundation is an agricultural development intervention project and capacity-building organization with a dedicated focus on reshaping the perception of agriculture and actively participating in conversations around it. The foundation’s passion lies in making a positive impact that contributes to the development of the national agricultural calendar.
Agrihouse Foundation achieves its mission through various intervention projects, including the Monthly Agri-Woman Marketplace, Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamp (AG-STUD), Livestock Poultry & Fisheries Trade Show (LiPF), International Farmers and Agribusiness Resilience and Sustainability Convention (INTAFAC), Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forum (WOFAGRIC), Gold in the Soil Awards, Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions, Agri-Watch News Portal, and the 1 Household, 1 Garden Initiative (1h,1g) ,Agri Female initiatives, 1st Ghana Agrochemicals and Crop Protection Exhibition Awards.
In the dynamic landscape of agriculture in Ghana, one name stands out as a beacon of change and empowerment—Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the visionary Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation. Her unwavering zeal and transformative vision is shaping a future where agriculture is not only productive but also inclusive, breaking gender barriers and paving the way for a more diverse and equitable agricultural industry.
A Visionary Leader’s Unparalleled Zeal
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa’s journey as the driving force behind Agrihouse Foundation is marked by a deep passion for the agricultural sector and a commitment to fostering positive change. Her leadership sets the tone, creating an environment of innovation and dedication that goes beyond conventional boundaries. With a background that intertwines agricultural expertise and visionary leadership, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has positioned herself as a trailblazer, spearheading initiatives not only to recognize women’s contributions but also to inspire and empower them to become leaders in the agricultural sector and address the challenges faced by women in agriculture. Her focus on breaking down gender barriers aligns with a broader vision of creating an agricultural sector that values the contributions of both men and women.
Transformative Initiatives for Equality
Under Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa’s guidance, Agrihouse Foundation has taken on transformative initiatives, such as The Gathering of The Royals, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forum, And the Gold in The Soil Awards and the Agri Female initiatives which seeks to empower women in the Northern Region of Ghana but also seeks to fostering an inclusive approach by actively involving men in the process.
The foundation also facilitates projects such as Household 1 Garden, Monthly Agribusiness Skills and Jobs for the Youth Roadshow with Dr. Zee, 1st Ghana Agrochemicals and Crop Protection Exhibition Awards, Agri-woman Marketplace. Other initiatives include The Annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions, Ghana Poultry Festival, Monthly Executive Beginner Agribusiness Master Class, and Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Training and Trade Show.
The visionary leader envisions a future where the agricultural landscape is defined by collaboration, with both genders playing pivotal roles in leadership positions. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa’s commitment to equality goes beyond rhetoric—it is reflected in the tangible projects and initiatives initiated by Agrihouse Foundation, such as the Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment Program and Husker Days events in Nebraska, USA, Additionally, Agrihouse Foundation are the franchise holders for the International Cassava Fair annually held in Brazil.
Leadership Shaping Tomorrow’s Agriculture
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa’s influence extends beyond Agrihouse Foundation, as she actively engages with stakeholders, policymakers, and the wider community to advocate for a more inclusive and diverse agricultural sector.
Her collaborative approach has garnered support, not only from within the agricultural sector in Ghana but also from International partners who recognize the impact of her leadership on shaping the future of agriculture.
In addition to breaking gender barriers, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa envisions agriculture as a sector that embraces the youth, fostering their engagement and leadership. Through her leadership, Agrihouse Foundation is actively inspiring the next generation to see agriculture as a dynamic and rewarding career choice.
About Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa
Alberta is an Agric Advocate, intervener, initiator and implementer. She is a passionate promoter of the Agricultural industry and a tiller of the earth herself.
Alberta is the Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, Agrihouse Communications and Shaping Conversations Africa, and the lead initiator of all the highly impactful interventions that the organization spearheads.
She is passionate and committed to making a sustainable and measurable impact within the sector, and her biggest satisfaction is to see all farmers and value chain actors happy.
Over the years, she has led her organization to make significant contributions to the development of the agricultural sector in Ghana, through her advocacies, youth driven initiatives, competence-based Training programs, leadership development and market linkages interventions
