The Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Justina Owusu-Banahene, have called on the government, private sectors, stakeholders, and relevant parties to implement decisive mechanisms that supports women in agribusiness.
Delivering the keynote address at the 6th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards. Held from July 9th to 10th, 2024, at the Sunyani Technical University, in the Bono Region, under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women in Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders. “She emphasized the critical need for collective efforts to create a supportive environment for women in the agricultural sector.
“Empowering women in agribusiness is not just about equality; it’s about driving economic development,” stated Hon. Owusu-Banahene. “Women are the backbone of every economy, driving growth and sustainability. By empowering them, we ensure a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.”
Highlighting the role of cultural leaders and queen mothers, she urged them to use their influence in inspiring young women to pursue careers in agribusiness by actively mentoring and instilling the passion for agriculture among the youth, emphasizing the importance of securing land for women’s ventures.
In conclusion, she called on financial institutions to support women in agribusiness by providing accessible and affordable credit facilities. These resources, she emphasized, are crucial for enabling women to scale their operations, invest in modern technologies, and ultimately improve productivity in the sector.
The Country Representative for the American Soybean Association (ASA) through the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Program, Madam Harriet Agyekum, has called for increased efficiency in the poultry sector to improve food security in Ghana.
Speaking on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the 4th Ghana Poultry Day organized by Agrihouse Foundation, she highlighted that optimizing efficiency in poultry production is essential to meeting the growing demand for poultry products within the country.
“Efficiency improvements in the poultry sector not only bolster food security by increasing local production but also contribute to economic stability and sustainability,” she stated.
She further highlighted the significant impact of WISHH’s initiatives on the poultry sector. According to her the program has grown the poultry sector’s production capacity, trained thousands of industry professionals on best management practices, helped producers and processors apply new post-harvest storage techniques to their existing operations, and connected supply chain partners to financial institutions, adding that ,there are ongoing efforts to collaborate with local leaders and supply chain partners in Ghana with the aim of building a robust networks, enhance production capacities, and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the poultry sector.
“Our initiatives focus on equipping industry professionals with best management practices, introducing new post-harvest storage techniques, and facilitating access to financial resources for poultry producers. WISHH seeks to position soyabean as a reliable protein source while supporting Ghana’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported poultry products,” she emphasized.
She however commended Agrihouse Foundation for their dedicated efforts in promoting the poultry sector in Ghana, noting their pivotal role in organizing events like the Ghana Poultry Day. “Agrihouse Foundation’s commitment to fostering dialogue and innovation within the poultry industry is commendable. Their initiatives have been instrumental in advancing agricultural practices and fostering partnerships that benefit the entire sector,” she remarked.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day was Organized by Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by key entities including the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the event drew support from prominent sponsors such as Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, Wilmar International, 10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd, Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Project, and Wilmar Africa .
Agrihouse foundation on Monday July 1st, 2024 successfully hosted the 4th Ghana Poultry Day, at the Statehouse forecourt in Accra, with the aim of enhancing Ghana’s poultry sector, whiles also advocating for the 1st of July to be recognized as the Ghana poultry day .
Giving the welcome Remakes, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, underscored the significant growth and advocacy witnessed over the past four years of Ghana Poultry Day, showcasing ample opportunities within the poultry industry.
“Our efforts underscore the immense potential in Ghana’s poultry sector. However, achieving its full potential requires collective support to drive growth, sustainability, and promotion, “she remarked
She stressed the importance of giving equal attention to both crop and livestock sectors to bolster sustainable agricultural practices by elaborating on the need for integrated approaches where crop and livestock sectors complement each other, enhancing soil fertility through integrated farming systems and improving farm productivity urging that a balanced approach ensures resilience against climate change impacts and fosters economic stability in rural communities.
Hon. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, MP for Korle Klottey, called on government to implement policies that enhance local poultry production’s competitiveness to bolster food security and reduce reliance on imports.
“Cost-effective local poultry production and robust agribusiness promotion can substantially decrease our dependency on imported poultry products,” she asserted, stressing the sector’s capacity to generate employment opportunities.
Adding his voice, Hon.Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Livestock, urged youth investment in the poultry sector, highlighting its growth prospects. “The government’s second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative outlines a strategic plan to bridge poultry sector deficits over the next five years,” Tufeiru disclosed, emphasizing newly established support mechanisms for initiative participants.
The 4th Ghana Poultry Day served as a strategic platform for stakeholders to strategize on propelling the poultry sector’s growth, ensuring its robust contribution to Ghana’s agricultural and economic development. Discussions underscored the imperative for collaborative efforts in enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
The event featured diverse activities, including a chef cooking competition showcasing various poultry-based delicacies. Madam Charity Akortia, the 2023 National Best Farmer, emerged first in the competition, followed by Mr. Cecil T. Sunkwa-Mills of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO).
In the student cooking competition, Ngleshie Amanfro S.H.S claimed the first position, with Achimota Senior High School and Accra Academy securing the second and third positions, respectively.The 4th Ghana Poultry Day was organized by Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and supported by key entities including the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and the Ghana National Egg Campaign Secretariat, the event drew support from prominent sponsors such as Amas Farms, Labianca Company Limited, and Wilmar International,10th September Spices, Agrogenics Ghana Limited, and Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd, Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Project, Wilmar Africa.
Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, has called for the implementation of policies that make local poultry production more competitive to promote food security and agribusiness in Ghana.
Speaking at Agrihouse Foundation’s 4th edition of Ghana Poultry Day on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House, Hon. Agyeman-Rawlings, who also served as the executive judge of the event, emphasized the need for cost-effective local poultry production. She highlighted that by reducing reliance on imports and enhancing the agribusiness sector, Ghana can significantly improve its food security.
“The government must implement policies that make local poultry production more competitive. By promoting agribusiness and making local poultry production cost-effective, we can reduce our reliance on imports and enhance food security,” she stated.
Hon. Agyeman-Rawlings also pointed out specific areas where government intervention could make a significant impact. She suggested subsidies for local poultry farmers to reduce production costs, investment in modern farming technologies, and improved access to financing for small and medium-scale poultry enterprises.
“Subsidies for local poultry farmers would help reduce production costs, making it easier for them to compete with imported poultry products. Additionally, investing in modern farming technologies and providing better access to financing can empower small and medium-scale poultry enterprises, driving growth and sustainability in the sector,” she added.
Furthermore, Hon. Agyeman-Rawlings advocated for enhanced training and capacity-building programs for poultry farmers, which would equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to improve productivity and quality. She also called for strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure quality standards and food safety in the poultry industry.
“Enhanced training and capacity-building programs for our poultry farmers are essential. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can improve productivity and quality. Strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure quality standards and food safety will also build consumer confidence in locally produced poultry products,” she remarked.
The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Livestock,Hon. Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru, has called on the youth to invest in the poultry sector, citing its vast potential for growth and development. He highlighted the numerous opportunities within the sector that, if leveraged by young people, could significantly reduce the unemployment rate.
Alhaji Tufeiru made these remarks at Agrihouse Foundation’s 4th edition of Ghana Poultry Day, held on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the forecourt of the State House. He emphasized that the poultry sector holds immense promise for young entrepreneurs willing to explore it.
the Deputy Minister mentioned that the government, through the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, has devised a comprehensive plan to address the deficits within the poultry sector over the next five years. He outlined that this plan includes support mechanisms for individuals who choose to venture into poultry farming.
“The government is committed to bridging the gap in the poultry sector and has established support systems for anyone who signs up,” Alhaji Tufeiru stated. He encouraged the youth to take advantage of these opportunities, emphasizing that investing in poultry could lead to sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
The Ghana Poultry Day event, organized by Agrihouse Foundation, served as a platform to showcase innovations in the poultry industry and discuss strategies to enhance its development. It attracted stakeholders from various sectors, including farmers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, all dedicated to advancing Ghana’s poultry industry.
Agrihouse Foundation, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and YARA Ghana Limited and the Bono Regional Agriculture Directorate , proudly opens the 6th Women in Food and Agriculture Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards today, Tuesday, July 9th, through Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.
This year’s event takes place at Sunyani Technical University in the Bono Region under the theme, “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS.”
The 6th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards symbolize a pivotal moment in advancing women throughout the agricultural value chain. By promoting recognition, education, and collaboration, the event aims to break down barriers, promote gender equality, and create a more inclusive agricultural sector.
Annually, the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards move from region to region, empowering and celebrating the exceptional efforts of women in agriculture. This regional intervention has been held in the Volta, Ashanti, Western, Western North, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern Regions, benefiting over 8,000 women farmers, processors, input dealers, farmers with disabilities, agripreneurs, and women across the entire agricultural value chain. The event provides them with the resources, training, mentorship, networking, and recognition needed to thrive in the agricultural sector, fostering leadership, innovation, and inclusivity.
The two-day event on-going at the Sunyani Technical University will feature over six hundred women farmers, processors, agripreneurs, farmers with disabilities, and women across the agricultural value chain. Activities will include panel discussions, training workshops, exhibitions, trade shows, speed networking, and mentorship sessions. These components empower participants to gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and forge collaborations that can reshape the future of agriculture in Ghana.
One of the highlights will be the prestigious Gold in the Soil Awards, recognizing exceptional women farmers and women with disabilities, processors, agripreneurs, and women in the entire agricultural value chain who have made remarkable contributions to the agricultural industry. The awards span seventeen categories, including the Super Woman Farmer Award, Passion for Farm Award, Outstanding Woman in Extension Services Award, Royal Agro Award, Diamond in the Rough Award, Feed to Food Award, Change Champion Award, She Innovates Award, Climate-Smart Women Project Award, Lady of The Region Export Award, Star Woman Agripreneur Award, She-Operates Award, Development Partner Award, Princess Carla Award, the ultimate Gold in the Soil Award, the newly introduced Agri-Input Sales Woman of the Year category, and the Supportive Agri-Man Award.
As Agrihouse Foundation and Global Affairs Canada continue their journey towards agricultural transformation, the role of women farmers and women with disabilities cannot be overstated. Their resilience, expertise, and determination are integral to ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering economic growth.
Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, noted that this year’s event aims to build the capacity of women across the entire agriculrural value chain while celebrating their successes, challenges, and achievements.
Day one of the event features impactful activities, including a panel discussion on empowering women farmers and farmers with disabilities. There will be technical field demonstrations on the appropriate use and application of equipment, one-on-one mentorships, empowerment talks, and case study presentations on successful modules and practices.
The “10-to-1” breakout session offers women farmers hands-on educational opportunities, covering topics such as farm safety, financial management, nutrition, markets, exports, and investments.
On Day 2, the event continues with mentorship sessions and culminates with the “GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS,” where 17 nominees will be recognized and awarded in 17 different categories.
“We will highlight their stories through a documentary series and celebrate their passion, zeal, and contributions to shaping agriculture in their communities,” said Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa.
Women farmers with disabilities, referred to as “OUR SUPERWOMEN,” will also be recognized for their inspiring ability to live beyond their disabilities and succeed in farming, a challenging profession. These women sincerely inspire us to keep pushing forward, she added.
