From Otoase in the Eastern Region of Ghana hails 44-year -old farmer, Lydia Gyebi Asare, whose passion for agriculture and dedication to community development have made her a remarkable figure in the region. With an extensive range of crops, livestock, and a commitment to education, Lydia’s contributions to transforming lives and earning her recognition as she competes for the prestigious Feed to Food Award in the upcoming Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards and Gold in the Soil Awards, an annual Regional intervention by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with Global Affairs Canada.
Lydia’s diverse farming enterprise spans over 100 acres of land. She cultivates 20 acres of pineapples, 60 acres of coconuts, 15 acres of cassava, 10 acres of plantains, and 25 acres of maize. Additionally, she manages a fish farm with 1,200 fish and maintains a pig farm with 55 pigs. Her dedication to farming extends to nurturing a coconut nursery with 5,000 seedlings, contributing to the expansion of coconut production in the region.
Despite holding a degree in Accountancy, she made the bold decision to pursue a career in farming, driven by her unwavering passion for agriculture. With little prior knowledge of the field, she embarked on a journey to learn and excel.
Today, Lydia’s expertise and accomplishments in farming speak volumes about her determination and commitment to making a difference.
Employing 30 individuals on her farm, Lydia actively supports local employment and economic growth. Moreover, she goes above and beyond by financially assisting students in need, covering their school fees and ensuring access to education—a testament to her commitment to community development.
Lydia’s generosity extends further as she readily provides food supplies to her community when they are in need. Her willingness to support and uplift those around her demonstrates her deep-rooted connection to her community and her dedication to addressing food security challenges. Now, Lydia’s exceptional achievements and her transformative impact have led her to compete for the esteemed Feed to Food Award. This recognition celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural value chain, promoting sustainable practices and improving food security.
Agrihouse Foundation’s production team who are presently traveling across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region,their mission is to document the remarkable achievements of 62 shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region,captured the story of Lydia for the upcoming 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards.
Travelling from district to district,Agrihouse Production Team seeks to capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success, showcasing the immense talent and achievement and hard work of these women farmers in the Eastern Region. Their efforts aims to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in shaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada has for the past five years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s production team in our quest to recognize ,honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability,other partners for this years 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil awards also includes Yara Ghana , RDF Ghana LBG and World Food Program.
As Lydia Gyebi Asare vies for the Feed to Food Award, her story inspires others to pursue their passions, regardless of their educational background. Her journey showcases the immense potential of agriculture to create positive change in both individual lives and the wider community.
Lydia’s commitment to agriculture, her significant contributions to employment generation, education support, and her unwavering dedication to community welfare make her a deserving candidate for the Feed to Food Award.
Her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative impact that a single individual can make in the agricultural sector.
The upcoming WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards, scheduled for July 26-27 at the bed time hotel ,Koforidua in the Eastern Region under the theme “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS,” promise to be a momentous occasion. These events will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and women farmers and farmers with disability to award and celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
ABOUT WOFAGRIC AND GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS: Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that strengthens and promotes a paradigm shift in celebrating women farmers, processors, marketers, and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts of women in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, technology, and input dealers. Every year, the event moves from region to region, searching for these extraordinary women who play a significant role in putting food on our tables. Regardless of their abilities, they are thriving to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector. BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER
On July 1st, Agrihouse Foundation orchestrated a momentous event, the Ghana Poultry Day/3rd Ghana Chicken Festival, with the goal of promoting the consumption and patronage of Ghana’s thriving poultry sector. The festival also sought to advocate for the official recognition of July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day, a significant milestone for the industry.
A key aspect of this initiative was to raise awareness about the pivotal role played by the poultry industry in areas such as employment generation, food security, and economic growth. By fostering a greater appreciation for this sector among stakeholders and the public, the event aimed to fortify and consolidate its growth and sustainability.
The venue for this grand celebration was the prestigious forecourt of the State House, where an impressive array of prominent figures converged. Dignitaries, politicians, ministers, media professionals, musicians, poultry enthusiasts, and families came together to commemorate the achievements, address the challenges, and explore the potential of Ghana’s poultry sector.
Broadspectrum Limited (BSL), an indigenous Ghanaian company specializing in Information Communication Technology services, played an instrumental role in the resounding success of the Ghana Poultry Day/3rd Ghana Chicken Festival. BSL demonstrated unwavering commitment to promoting and celebrating Ghana’s poultry industry by providing financial support, technical expertise, and active involvement in planning and execution.
Since its inception in 2012, Broadspectrum Limited has established itself as a major player in the industry, offering innovative solutions and services across various domains. The company has forged strategic partnerships with leading original equipment manufacturers to deliver networking and transmission solutions, cybersecurity, and cloud and IT infrastructure services.
During the festival, Castro Antwi Danso, the Managing Director of Agrospectrum, a subsidiary of Broadspectrum Limited, reaffirmed their dedication to supporting the agricultural sector in Ghana. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Ghana Poultry Day/3rd Ghana Chicken Festival in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions for the industry’s growth.
Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Broadspectrum Limited and other sponsors for their valuable contributions. Their support played a pivotal role in ensuring the festival’s resounding success. Miss Akosa commended Broadspectrum Limited’s commitment to empowering the poultry sector and promoting sustainable practices.
The partnership between Broadspectrum Limited and Agrihouse Foundation exemplifies the significance of collaborative efforts in driving positive change within the agricultural sector. Together, they created an unforgettable event that celebrated the achievements of the poultry industry, addressed critical issues, and laid the foundation for future advancements.
As we reflect on the profound impact of the Ghana Poultry Day/3rd Ghana Chicken Festival, it becomes evident that continued collaboration and investment in the poultry industry are essential to unlock its full potential. Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa emphasized the importance of persisting in efforts to empower and elevate the poultry sector in Ghana.
EXCITING IMAGES FROM GHANA POULTRY DAY /3rd GHANA CHICKEN FESTIVAL
In a powerful display of support, government officials, Members of Parliament (MPs), and prominent CEOs joined forces with Agrihouse Foundation to advocate for the official recognition and celebration of July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day.
This resounding call for recognition was made during the Ghana Poultry Day /3rd Ghana Chicken Festival held on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, at the forecourt of the State House, in conjunction with the Agriwoman Marketplace.
The Ghana Poultry Day/3rd Ghana Chicken Festival witnessed the participation of distinguished figures from various sectors, all voicing their unwavering support for the recognition and celebration of July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, who has been driving this advocacy, expressed her enthusiasm and shared her vision for Ghana Poultry Day.
“We believe that the poultry industry plays a vital role in Ghana’s agricultural landscape and economy. By recognizing and celebrating July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day, we aim to honor the hard work and dedication of poultry farmers while raising awareness about the industry’s significant contributions. We are grateful for the support of government officials, MPs, CEOs, and all stakeholders involved in this important advocacy.”she said
Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture in charge of crops, emphasized the need to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of poultry farmers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting their efforts. He highlighted the role of the poultry industry in driving agricultural development and economic growth.
Hon. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, NPP presidential hopeful, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential of the poultry industry to create employment opportunities and contribute to poverty alleviation. He called for increased investment in the sector and advocated for policies that would foster its sustainable growth.
Members of Parliament also lent their influential voices to the cause, demonstrating a cross-party consensus on the matter. Hon. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Klottey-Korley, delivered a passionate speech underscoring the importance of recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of poultry farmers. She stressed the need for improved infrastructure and access to resources to support their endeavors and urged stakeholders to unite in their support for the sector’s development. Similarly, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP for Ketu South Constituency, highlighted the role of the poultry industry in ensuring food security and empowering women in agriculture. She called on policymakers to prioritize initiatives that would strengthen the sector and provide favorable conditions for poultry farmers to thrive. Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah, the General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party, also added her voice to the advocacy, emphasizing the significance of recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of the poultry industry while encouraging the government to support the poultry industry in Ghana.
Dr. Boris Baidoo, CEO of Boris B Farms, also stated the immense potential of the poultry industry in driving economic growth and job creation. He emphasized the need for increased investment, adoption of modern farming techniques, and value addition to fully harness the industry’s potential.
The collective efforts and unified voice of government officials, MPs, CEOs, and influential individuals represent a significant milestone in the development of the poultry industry in Ghana. The advocacy for the recognition of July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day signifies a resolute commitment to fostering the sector’s growth and acknowledging its profound contributions to the nation’s agricultural and economic landscape.
With the momentum gained from the Ghana Poultry Day and Third Ghana Chicken Festival, it is expected that the call for the official recognition of Ghana Poultry Day will garner the necessary support and acknowledgment it deserves. This recognition will solidify the importance of the poultry industry in Ghana and further propel its potential for sustainable growth and prosperity.
The highly anticipated Ghana Poultry Day /third edition of the Ghana Chicken Festival, organized by Agrihouse Foundation, was successfully held at the forecourt of the State House. The festival, which took place on Saturday, July 1st 2023,in conjunction with the 12th edition of the Agriwoman Marketplace, aimed to drive the advocacy for July 1st to be recognized and celebrated as Ghana Poultry Day, while promoting the consumption and patronage of local poultry in the country.
The event, featuring a diverse range of activities, drew the participation of renowned personalities from various sectors, including politicians, media personalities, musicians, and CEOs. Their involvement highlighted their vital roles in promoting the growth and recognition of Ghana’s poultry industry.
Expressing her gratitude, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, thanked the MPs, CEOs, media personalities, and entertainers for their support and participation. She emphasized the significance of their involvement in strengthening the advocacy campaign and urged the government to officially recognize July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day.
The festival served as a platform for bridging the gap between policymakers and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable growth in the poultry sector.
A major highlight of the event was the cooking competition, where distinguished personalities showcased their culinary finesse using local poultry ingredients. The panel of esteemed judges, including gospel musician Piesie Esther and Chef Ralph, evaluated the dishes based on creativity, presentation, and taste.
Hon. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, presidential hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the winner of the chef cooking competition, expressed his excitement and shared his ideas for advancing the poultry sector. He applauded the ghana poultry day /ghana chicken festival initiative by agrihouse foundation and pledged his commitment to supporting the initiative .
Hon. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korley, focused on empowering young people and promoting healthy living. She commended Agrihouse Foundation for their efforts and emphasized the immense opportunities the poultry sector provides for the youth.
The festival also featured educational workshops, interactive exhibitions, and panel discussions with experts in the poultry sector. These activities aimed to raise awareness about the economic and nutritional significance of supporting local poultry farmers.
Ghana Poultry Day /third edition of the Ghana Chicken Festival ,provided an exciting atmosphere for families and friends to relax, enjoy good music, sample different chicken meals, and network with stakeholders in the poultry industry. Children had their share of fun with dancing competitions, bouncy castles, face painting, and board games.
The success of the Ghana Poultry Day / 3rd Ghana Chicken Festival would not have been possible without the support of leading organizations such as Broadspectrum, Melcom, Amas Farms, and Qualiplast, among others. Implementing partners, including the Ghana Egg Secretariat and Ghana Poultry Farmers Association, also played a significant role in the event’s success.
Official media partners, including Kantanka TV, EIB Network, Angel FM and TV, and Uniq FM, contributed to spreading the message and creating awareness about the festival.
“We are grateful to all these organizations who collaborated and supported our cause because they believe in the vision. Their sponsorship demonstrates their dedication to fostering growth and excellence within the poultry sector,” said Ms. Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation.
The Ghana Poultry Day and 3rd Ghana Chicken Festival marked a significant milestone in advocating for the recognition and development of Ghana’s poultry industry. The event’s success will undoubtedly propel the sector’s growth and further contribute to the nation’s agricultural and economic landscape.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo, has reiterated government’s dedication to supporting the poultry industry and recognizing its invaluable contributions to the agricultural sector. He expressed this commitment during the Ghana Poultry Day and 3rd Ghana Chicken Festival.
The event, organized by the Agrihouse Foundation and held at the forecourt of the State House on July 1st, 2023, provided a platform to celebrate the poultry industry and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo, in his address, highlighted the pivotal role played by poultry farmers in driving agricultural development and stimulating economic growth in Ghana. He commended their dedication and unwavering efforts, underscoring their significant contributions to meeting the nation’s food demands and creating employment opportunities.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure the success and growth of poultry farmers. He emphasized the importance of accessible and affordable inputs, improved production techniques, and market access for poultry products. Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo stressed the need for continuous training and capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of poultry farmers, empowering them to adopt best practices and innovative approaches.
Highlighting the essential role of collaboration, Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo acknowledged that the poultry industry’s success relies on the joint efforts of the government, private sector, and farmers. He asserted,
“The future of Ghana’s poultry industry depends on our ability to work together. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and farmers is the foundation for achieving sustainable growth and prosperity. We recognize the immense potential of the poultry industry and are dedicated to creating an enabling environment for its growth.”
The Deputy Minister further emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building and knowledge-sharing programs to empower poultry farmers. He announced the government’s plans to facilitate training initiatives, equipping farmers with the necessary skills and tools to adopt modern techniques, enhance productivity, and seize emerging market opportunities.
Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, Presidential hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has emphasized the need for enhanced government backing, attention, and support for Ghana’s poultry sector .
He made these remarks during the Ghana Poultry Day and 3rd Ghana Chicken Festival, organized by the Agrihouse Foundation at the forecourt of the State House.
The presidential candidate hopeful , highlighted the significance of promoting the consumption of local poultry products, emphasizing their crucial role in strengthening the nation’s economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for Ghanaians. He encouraged citizens to prioritize the consumption of locally-produced poultry products.
Recognizing the need to foster sustainable growth and prosperity, he has called for strategic investments, policy reforms, and collaborative efforts to propel the poultry industry to new heights.
He also called upon the youth to explore the vast potential of the agricultural sector. adding that the entire agricultural value chain has a promising avenue for job creation, enabling the younger generation to actively contribute to the country’s economic growth and food security. By embracing agriculture, the youth can secure their own future while simultaneously benefiting the nation as a whole.
As part of his advocacy for the agricultural sector, he proposed the designation of July 1st as Ghana Poultry Day, a movement spearheaded by the Agrihouse Foundation. This initiative aims to honour the significant contributions of poultry sector and raise awareness about the vital role of the poultry industry in Ghana’s development. Adding that, commemoration of Ghana Poultry Day holds the potential to inspire greater interest in the poultry industry and attract increased investments, benefiting the entire value chain.
