The Vice President of the Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham), Mr. Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, has highlighted an ambitious long term vision of GNEBCHAM, to ensure they are able to positively make impact in expanding trade opportunities, educational exchanges, imports, exports and expand markets and Agribusiness opportunities for both Nebraskan and Ghanaian businesses.
Mr. Sunkwa-Mills made these remarks at a gathering of Nebraska businesses and Government officials in Nebraska, during the Husker Harvest Days.
He said, CNEBCHAM, is putting in all efforts to strengthen and create the needed bridge to promote agribusiness and trade in both regions.
He emphasized GNEBCHAM’s desire to continue to leverage on the strength of strategic collaborations locally and internationally to drive new projects and enhance existing initiatives well into the future.
‘’A major component of our plan as a chamber was our agenda to establish a well-organized operational secretariat to manage and coordinate the Chamber’s activities efficiently, this we have successfully achieved’’.
Additionally, GNEBCham seeks to grow its membership to approximately 500 agribusinesses. By expanding our member base, we hope to build a stronger and more connected network, to enhance our influence and provide more resources and opportunities As we approach 2025, plans are equally underway, to drive significant business-to-business (B2B) transactions, targeting deals valued at approximately 200 million U.S. dollars.
These transactions will enable Ghanaian agribusinesses to expand their reach and establish valuable partnerships with U.S.-based companies.
Another critical objective is to increase exports of Ghanaian non-traditional processed agricultural products, with a target of achieving export values between 40-50 million U.S. dollars. This effort will create more demand for Ghanaian products abroad and strengthen trade relations between Ghana and Nebraska.
Currently, the Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) is working towards closing educational programs and partnerships with higher education institutions and colleges to support professional exchanges involving professors, students and work programs.
Mr. Sunkwa-Mills also informed the business gathering that, the Chamber together with other private businesses, intend to develop demonstration farms across Ghana’s southern, mid-belt, and northern regions to showcase partnerships and host annual agribusiness expos in both Nebraska and Ghana.
This he stated, will enable Ghana and Nebraska to leverage on their strengths, expand market opportunities, and support the livelihoods of families dependent on agriculture by promoting shared goals.
Through this partnership, Ghana and Nebraska can build on their unique strengths to open up new market opportunities and support agricultural livelihoods in both regions.
The Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) recently organized a successful 30-member business delegation to participate in the Husker Harvest Days experience and other trade and investment activities in Nebraska, USA.
The delegation engaged with the U.S. agribusiness market, exploring opportunities for long-term collaboration in agribusiness, export and import, farming, educational exchanges, and sharing best practices for doing business with Nebraska and Ghana.
The goal of this business trip was to strengthen existing relationships, establish new business deals and foster strong, sustainable partnerships.
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) is dedicated to being a catalyst or hub, working to connect businesses, facilitate trade, and drive innovation in agribusiness between Ghana and Nebraska.
On this great occasion of the 40th National Farmers Day Celebrations, Grand durbar, Awards and Exhibitions, we at the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to Ghana’s farmers, fishers, vale chain actors and agribusiness professionals.
Your tireless dedication and resilience are the backbone of Ghana’s agriculture, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.
GNEBCham have, within the past three years, put into action, a collective mission, to create opportunities that strengthens the agricultural sectors of both Ghana and Nebraska respectively.
FORMER NEBRASKA STATE SENATOR KEN SCHILZ /CO- FOUNDER, GHANA-NEBRASKA AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH AND TRADE RELATIONS CHAMBER (GNEBCHAM)
We have been committed to facilitating agribusiness trade activities, supporting knowledge sharing, educational exchanges, capacity building and business expansion between our two Regions.
With the support of valued stakeholders and partners, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy, Nebraska Strategies, Agrihouse Foundation, Nebraska Department of Economic Development , among others, we have been able to facilitate and advance business opportunities, with some at the early stages and others already flourishing.
The Chamber has by far, experienced an agribusiness sector that has a key potential to thrive further, given the favorable economic conditions, transparent regulations and active government-private sector collaborations.
As a farmer myself, this Farmers’ Day celebrations means so much and reminds me, that together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive agrifood system.
After earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, I returned to our family farm in western Nebraska, where my father, brother and I worked together to farm and raise cattle.
For about 15 years, I had the privilege of managing our family’s 20,000-head feed yard, and in 2006, I received the Progressive Partner Award from Certified Angus Beef.
I am indeed excited that, now more than ever, Farmers’ efforts and progress are been tracked, recognized and celebrated all over the world.
This special day not only celebrates the achievements of Ghana’s agricultural community but also reminds us that, further, leveraging on the power of innovation and collaboration with organizations such as GNEBCHAM, would contribute immensely in achieving food sustainability and economic prosperity.
GNEBCHAM pledges our continued support to grow sustainable farmers, advance our agribusiness infrastructure and embark on Agri-trade activities that drive success in both Ghana and Nebraska.
Together, we look forward to a prosperous future where Ghanaian and Nebraskan farmers and agribusinesses thrive locally and globally.
Congratulations to you all and we welcome you to join the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber
Happy Farmers Day to all!
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber was co-founded by Former Nebraska Senator, Ken Schilz and Ghana’s Agribusiness advocate, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, when both realized their common dedication to their respective country’s agriculture, and their genuine passion to ensure growth and partnerships thrives between their two Regions.
Where there is development, there is Sustainability
Where there is sustainability, there are partnerships
Where there are partnerships, we experience speed and steady progress.
And this forms one of the key reasons, why I am passionate and dedicated to this year’s 40th Farmers Day Exhibitions and celebrations.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has demonstrated and displayed a high impact level of what a Public-Private Partnership and youth empowerment could look like, by working with, and fully committing Agrihouse Foundation to lead, take charge, plan, champion and organize the 5-days Farmers’ Day Agricultural Fair- Agrifest, that precedes the Farmers’ Day Grand durbar and Awards.
On behalf of the Agrihouse Foundation Team, I wish to thank the Honourable Minister of Food and Agriculture, the Honourable Deputy Ministers, Chief Director, National Coordinator and all officials at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, for entrusting this major component of the Farmers Day into our hands.
We appreciate the task of managing the entire project cycle, for the most recognized and decorated Farmers’ event, on our national calendar.
This is a ground-breaking milestone for our young organization and Team at Agrihouse Foundation.
We are thus very committed and determined to demonstrate through this, that, when the youth are given the needed opportunities, we are capable of proactively taking charge, execute and deliver a sterling performance.
I remain confident, that beyond all the rough patches and challenges, our industry players will appreciate the significant impact, our youthful and woman-led organization are making in the entire organization the 40th Farmers’ Day Exhibitions from the ground-up.
I equally remain confident that, this milestone, will further boost, inspire and drive more of our youth into agribusiness and most importantly, embrace the diverse career opportunities and roles within the value chain that we can all play, in advancing our food systems.
I equally and finally remain hopeful, that we are able to demonstrate to our leaders that, tapping into the rich and vibrant resource of the youth of our nation offers reliable possibility of upscaling performance in our subsector.
The Agrihouse Foundation Team, are emboldened in confidently applying ourselves to being an effective part of the solution to resolving our nation’s food security challenges.
Thank you again for confidently entrusting into our hands, the organization of the 40th Farmers’ Day Exhibitions – Agrifest 2024.
To our extraordinary gallant farmers of our motherland, congratulations and Thank you for putting food on our tables, in spite of challenges you face each day.
You are truly the heartbeat of the nation.
You are the gold in our soils and the soul of the farm.
Thank you so much for all you do to contribute meaningfully to our livelihoods and sustenance.
We desire and wish for a day, where Farmers will be recognized in diverse ways on a weekly, monthly basis.
We desire for a day, our food systems will be innovatively enhanced in a way, that farmers produce will never go waste due to the introduction and establishment of appropriate mechanization and infrastructures across every district, community or Region.
We yearn to see a day, were our children will brag and boast at an early stage of taking farming as a major profession
We equally desire to see a day, where our agricultural educational system will be so competitive, such that, many more of our talented youth will take a decisive stand to take agric as their major, and not really as the option available.
As we celebrate our Farmers this week, we are also reminded to acknowledge, the role of all players, actors and stakeholders, who make the industry tick and thrive.
We have with us about two hundred and thirty- seven (237) of industry players, exhibiting this week at AgriFest.
We have the Machinery and equipment companies highly represented here at Agrifest.
We also have the Livestock, Poultry Fisheries and Aquaculture players.
The crop nutrition, crop protection players, farmers’ associations, research institutions, financial institutions, development agencies, also here.
The veterinaries and a great number of Agro processers are also represented, the food and beverage players are also not left out in Agrifest.
The Directorates under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, together with all the Regional Directorates are fully represented here.
This full house representation by industry players signifies a strong collaborative effort, bond, determination and support by all, to ensure a sustained growth, advancement and market expansion of our agricultural sector, leading to building a sustainable community, where agribusiness keeps rising and all players are happy.
Congratulations to all and Thank you for coming on board AgriFest, to display, interact, network, engage and project your innovations, tools and solutions that is impacting our farming operations and efficiently powering the farmers’ work!
You are the engine and power behind our farming, our yields and harvest – Thank you.
We remain confident, that our policies and business environment will grow much friendlier, to enable us all, stay in business and contribute in developing sustainable farmers and build a stronger agrifood future.
Personally, everything to do with Agriculture fills me with so much passion, power and fulfillment and this week-long celebration further commits us all to work towards one goal; – To drive Change, for tomorrow’s prosperity.
It also calls on us all, to be at the frontline in the movement to change the food security equations for Ghana today and for the future!
Once again, to our gallant farmers – congratulations and thank you, for nourishing our nation.
Nebraska State Governor Jim Pillen has honored Ms. Ayishetu Abdullah, Deputy Director of the Economic, Trade and Investment Bureau at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the special “Governor’s Ball” prize.
This beautiful gesture represents the deepening partnership between Ghana and Nebraska, especially in strengthening agricultural infrastructure, facilitating agribusiness trade, sharing knowledge, building capacity and developing activities aimed at unlocking new opportunities to push the agribusiness sectors in both Ghana and Nebraska toward a flourishing agricultural future.
Presenting the Governor’s Ball at a meet-and-greet session with a 30-member Ghanaian delegation, the Governor, Jim Pillen emphasized the importance of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) in facilitating trade opportunities and fostering collaboration that adds significant value between the two regions.
Governor Jim Pillen’s presentation of the “Governor’s Ball” to Ms. Ayishetu Abdullah symbolizes much more than just a gift; it carries deep symbolic meaning tied to American culture and values.
Baseball, often referred to as America’s national pastime, represents the rich tradition of American identity, underscoring values such as teamwork, perseverance and collaboration.
In this context, the ball signifies the importance of working together and fostering unity between Nebraska and Ghana, especially through their shared commitment to agribusiness growth and trade relations.
The gesture echoes notable instances, such as when President George W. Bush presented a baseball to Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, symbolizing achievement, collaboration and goodwill.
Similarly, this token presented to Ms. Abdullah highlights the Nebraska-Ghana partnership’s efforts to achieve excellence, create opportunities and strengthen agribusiness collaboration, led by the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham).
Governor Jim Pillen praised the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) for serving as a vital platform for American businesses aiming to engage with Africa, particularly Ghana and for assisting Ghanaian companies in navigating Nebraska’s agricultural market.
“I am encouraged by the expanding trade and business connections between our regions and we are eager to collaborate with you to identify opportunities and explore how we can work together to foster mutual business growth.”
Ms. Ayishetu Abdullah expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska for the great honor of receiving the Governor’s Ball in her name.
“I am deeply honored by Governor Jim Pillen’s recognition and his commitment to advancing agricultural trade and economic growth between Ghana and Nebraska. Together, we can create lasting opportunities that benefit both regions.”
She applauded Governor Pillen for his committed support and shared vision to foster stronger agricultural trade and boost economic growth between Ghana and Nebraska.
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) serves as a vital platform for American businesses aiming to engage with Africa, particularly Ghana, while assisting Ghanaian companies in navigating Nebraska’s agricultural market.
The chamber also fosters collaboration and trade opportunities between Nebraska’s agricultural sector and Ghana’s agribusiness industry, promoting sustainable practices and knowledge exchange to enhance their roles in global agricultural trade.
This partnership has focused heavily on facilitating smooth agricultural trade between African and Nebraskan businesses, with the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) acting as a bridge to connect farmers, agribusiness companies, and policymakers from both regions.
Nebraska State Mayor Stan Clouse has commended the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) for its commitment to building sustainable partnerships that enhance agricultural trade ties between Ghana and Nebraska.
Addressing the 30-member Ghanaian delegation at the recently concluded Husker Harvest Days and trade and investment event, Mayor Stan Clouse also praised the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) for serving as a hub that facilitates smoother agricultural trade operations, helping African and Nebraskan businesses navigate the U.S. agricultural market.
“This is my first exposure to the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber’s efforts and the growing partnership between Ghana and Nebraska, and I must say I am impressed”.
The Mayor applauded the delegation’s initiative, pointing out that their willingness to learn from Nebraska’s advanced agricultural practices would foster a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between the two regions.
He also emphasized that Ghana could benefit from Nebraska’s agricultural innovations, which have the potential to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector and contribute to its long-term success.
The Husker Harvest Days is a major U.S. agricultural event held annually in Nebraska, offering opportunities for agribusiness knowledge exchange and showcasing advanced farming techniques.
Every year the Ghana Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber in collaboration with its partners, facilitates trade delegates to participate in Husker Harvest Days.
Last year, the Chamber worked with the U.S. Embassy to facilitate a 22-member business delegation to the United States for networking and business connections.
The delegates represented a diverse array of institutions, including input, machinery and equipment companies, as well as seed, fertilizer and crop protection companies. Others included representatives from finance, agro-processing, commercial farming and marketing, exporting and importing sectors.
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham), an international representative body that brings together Nebraska senators, farmers, agribusinesses and their Ghanaian counterparts, gained momentum in 2023 at the Husker Harvest Days event in Nebraska.
As a non-profit organization, The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) focuses on creating strong business linkages, fostering trade relations, and promoting sustainable growth by connecting agribusinesses in Ghana and Nebraska.
The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) is committed to strengthening the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including exchange programs, webinars, workshops, capacity-building sessions, trade fairs, matchmaking events, and community-driven projects, all aimed at fostering growth and collaboration in agribusiness.
The Chamber actively promotes business development across a wide range of sectors, fostering robust connections between Ghana and Nebraska.
Its initiatives span critical industries including crops, livestock, and agro-processing, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity and value chain efficiencies, by facilitating the exchange of raw materials, modern machinery, equipment and inputs.
Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber also supports sectors such as irrigation, food production and education, ensuring sustainable growth and capacity building, through agrotech and tech industries.
The Deputy Director of the Greater Accra Agricultural Directorate, Mrs. Rogatta Antwi-Baadu, has commended Agrihouse Foundation for its dedication to enhancing the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions since assuming leadership from the USAID Advance Project in 2018.
Speaking at the launch of the 14th Annual Pre-Harvest Event, Mrs. Antwi-Baadu highlighted the foundation’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration among key agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, agribusiness professionals, input suppliers, processors, and buyers.
“Agrihouse Foundation has created an invaluable space for knowledge exchange, partnerships, and innovation, all of which are essential to addressing the challenges facing our agricultural sector,” she remarked.
Agrihouse Foundation, through the Pre-Harvest Conference, continues to be an essential partner in driving these changes. The event has become a key platform for showcasing technological advancements, modern farming practices, and new business opportunities. By focusing on “Connecting the Unconnected,” Agrihouse ensures that even the smallest farmers in the most remote areas have access to resources and opportunities to be part of this agricultural transformation.
This year’s theme, “Connecting the Unconnected – Feeding the Future through Innovative and Technological Approaches,” encapsulates the transformative direction of the agricultural industry.
The future of agriculture depends on how effectively new technologies and innovations are integrated into traditional systems. From precision farming to digital platforms that directly connect farmers with markets, the sector is undergoing a significant transformation in how food is produced and distributed.
Agrihouse Foundation has been at the forefront of this movement, actively seeking ways to bridge the gap for smallholder farmers, rural agribusinesses, and underserved communities.
Through the Pre-Harvest platform, they have successfully connected these key players to vital information, tools, and resources that empower them to thrive.
Mrs. Antwi-Baadu also emphasized the Government of Ghana’s commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape through initiatives like the Phase Two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program. This phase not only focuses on enhancing productivity but also on improving market access and adding value to agricultural produce, resonating strongly with the event’s focus on innovation and technology.
“Phase Two of PFJ embodies the innovative approaches we are celebrating today,” she said, noting how it connects smallholder farmers to value chains, expands access to technology, improves market infrastructure, and creates an enabling environment for agribusiness growth. With initiatives like these, Ghana is positioning itself not only to feed its own population but also to play a significant role in global food security.
