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Agric Minister chairs Cote d’Ivoire – Ghana Cocoa Initiative.

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The Food and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong, has assumed the chairmanship of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) at the 5th Steering Committee Meeting held in Abidjan.

The Minister who doubles as the Abetifi Constituency Member of Parliament, replaced the Ivorian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani.

The CIGCI is the product of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Ivorian head Alassane Ouattara, to bring pressure to bear on international cocoa buyers and trade houses for a minimum floor price of $2,600 per tonne for cocoa beans produced in the respective countries.

Meetings with stakeholders from trade houses, cocoa purchasing companies, chocolatiers, the World Cocoa Foundation, and the International Cocoa Organisation culminated in a decision to introduce a new trading mechanism with the Living Income Differential (LID), set at $400.00 per tonne, for cocoa sold by both countries starting from the 2020/21 season.

Under the new role, Dr Acheampong is expected to see to the completion and handover of the permanent headquarters of the Initiative in Accra.

He will also see to expanding bloc membership (bringing on board other African cocoa-producing countries), general restructuring of the CIGCI and rolling out the West African Standards for sustainability and cocoa traceability systems.

The Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) was born in March 2018 to improve farmer pay and financially improve the lives of cocoa farmers.

Regarding keeping the local front compliant with best cocoa practices, the CIGCI is also leading the process for the formulation of the West Africa Standards for certification and traceability of cocoa from the subregion.

Commenting on his new role, the Agric Minister promised to utilise his position to further the interests of cocoa producers in particular and the causes of the two countries.

He stated that his position was crucial and aimed to ensure that the dreams of the two presidents were realised.

As the only way to realize the initiative’s goal, he tasked the participants with ensuring everyone carried their share of the responsibility for adhering to its rules.

Under his watch as an agriculture minister, Ghana has raised the state-guaranteed cocoa price paid to its farmers by more than 63% to boost income and prevent beans from being smuggled to neighbouring countries.

The increment will see farmers receive 20,943 Ghana cedis ($1,837) per tonne for the new 2023/2024 season, which started in September 2023, compared with 12,800 Ghana cedis they got in 2022.

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Cocoa farmers commend Rainforest Alliance for improving the living conditions and health status of people in under-served cocoa farming communities.

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The Founder, Cocoa Mmaa farmers’ cooperative, Leticia Ama Kowoa Yankey has lauded Rainforest Alliance for focusing on improving the living conditions and health status of people in under-served cocoa farming communities.

She said this when Rainforest Alliance presented some remediation items like school bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, bicycles, solar charges, uniforms and some other items were handed over to the identified children to go back to school and parents to help them start their own business to access additional income streams aside from cocoa farming.

Rainforest Alliance, an international non overnmental organization, with its partners International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) and Solidaridad Ghana, with funding from NORAD are helping farmer cooperatives to implement a human rights due diligence system that commits its leadership and members to a culture of respect for human rights.

This forms part of a drive to their “Yen Ne Mmofra No Nti” tackling forced and child labour project under which Cocoa Mmaa cooperative piloted the gender-sensitive tool that was developed by Rainforest Alliance.

The comprehensive tool throws more light on issues of child labour, forced labour, gender equality and workplace violence and harassment amongst other human right issues.

The tool helped identify vulnerable at risk and involved victims of child labour and forced labour for which remediation items have been provided to 39 residents from Kyensendaho, Babianiha, Achiase, Abudukrom, Antwikrom, Teacherkrom, Kontokrom, Buabin, Soboroso and Kwameprakrom of the Dunkwa cocoa district in the Western South cocoa Region.

She used the opportunity to advise beneficiaries to embrace the culture of respect which is enshrined in the HRDD system so as to eradicate child labor and avoid practices that will jeopardize the future of the children.

“I have learnt that practicing child labor will not give us a good standing in selling our cocoa in the international market. I want to charge the cooperative leaders to do peer to peer education on child labor among themselves and also among residents of the community.”

There will be monitoring done to make sure the items are being used for the intended purposes.

“The community and our leaders really appreciate the support we’re getting from Rainforest Alliance and its partners.

“Let me also use the opportunity to also thank “Better Than Cash-Digitalization” for also supporting us with mobile phones and solar chargers.

Ms. Yankey stated that, “the Senior Project Manager, Joyce Poku-Marboah and the Monitoring & Evaluation Associate, Alvin Adu-Asare, were instrumental in the implementation of the HRDD pilot and visited a number of times to provide guidance and listen to the concerns of the residents in the various communities” for which they are grateful.

Chief of Buabin, abokomahene Twifu Buabin, Nana Okoforobour I, Beneficiaries and the Buabin Electoral Area Assemblyman, Benjamin Obeng expressed their appreciation to Cocoa Mmaa, Rainforest Alliance and their partners for coming to the aid of these vulnerable individuals and the community at large.

“We are very happy, believing God that if we are able to do as led, we would be able to raise money to feed our families and train others to also become self-sufficient” they said.

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Ghana to host the Maiden Edition of International Conference on Environment, Social Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa (ICESDA 2024).

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The Green Communities International in partnership with ACeBI, Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana and other partners are set to organize the first ever international conference on Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainable development of Africa at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology, KNUST, Kumasi on the 26th-29th of March 2024.

The conference is with the theme: “Enhancing Environment, Social Governance and Sustainability (ESG) for Africa’s development”.

 The main aim is geared towards bringing together schorlars, ESG, practitioners and decision makers in Ghana, Africa and around the globe to discuss innovative pathways to transform our world into a sustainable and a liveable place.

The conference is positioned to bring business leaders, political leaders, church and traditional leaders, academics, ESG and CSR practitioners both locally and globally with specifics to Africa at a one-stop-shop to discuss the contributions of corporate organizations in delivering the sustainable development goals and more.

There would be impressive, and educational topics for discussion on ESG/CSR and sustainability of Africa Continental Free Trade Area [AFCFTA] that will highlight issues such as Sustainable trade and investment systems in Africa, Sustainable resource mobilization, wealth creation and management in Africa, Sustainable policies, and regulations of the Africa Free Trade Area and among others.

Other thematic areas include: ESG/CSR and sustainability of public and private sector institutions in Africa, Social innovations, entrepreneurship and indigenous knowledge management, Sustainable innovations in the built Environment Ecosystem in Africa etc….

ICESDA conference at the end seeks to converge over 2000 participants of being linked up in persons and virtual including researchers, academics, business executives, political leaders, and institutions with interest in issues of social investments, governance, environment, and sustainability from over 10 countries.

Among others, the conference is by far the largest international gathering in Africa on the ESG/CSR agenda, bringing together over 600 business executives, political leaders, academics, traditional and religious leaders and policy makers, think thanks to expand their knowledge on new research findings and innovations so that they can apply to improve business decisions and strategic initiatives.

This medium would highlight or showcase many novel and exciting events to get everyone along. It will incorporate traditional scholarly academic style conference presentation as well as novel and unorthodox practitioner style presentation and activities which shall include keynotes speaker presentations from Academics and researchers among others. To book your seat visit https://www.csrconferenceafrica.com/

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Agrihouse Foundation ‘s Alberta   Speaks at the International Cassava Fair in Brazil today

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The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, is poised to address a global audience at the International Cassava Fair in Brazil today, Thursday, November 23rd, on the topic “Leveraging International Platforms to Commodify Cassava in Ghana.”

Emphasizing the significance of commodifying cassava in Ghana, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa’s keynote address will underscore the pivotal role of international collaboration in catalysing advancements within Ghana’s cassava industry. This insightful discourse aims to position Ghana as a key player on the global agricultural stage.

This strategic initiative goes beyond showcasing the ingenuity within Ghana’s cassava sector; it also aims to foster invaluable connections and explore sustainable business opportunities within the dynamic global cassava value chain.

Ms. Akosa,  will also  shed light on the unique opportunities and challenges facing Ghana’s cassava industry, exploring avenues for collaboration with international partners, the adoption of best practices, value addition ,mechanization  and the implementation of innovative strategies to position Ghana as a major player in the global cassava market.

This focus on the immense potential of cassava as a cash crop aims to contribute significantly to food security and economic growth in Ghana.

Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa ,will also delve into how Ghana can leverage the International Cassava Fair platform, to enhance value addition in processing transportation and mechanization among others .

Moreover, she will emphasize the collaborative potential of the International Cassava Fair in facilitating capacity building. This includes bringing resource persons from Brazil to Ghana, imparting valuable knowledge and skills.

Attendees at the International Cassava Fair will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the present and  future of Ghana’s cassava industry and the crucial role that collaboration on the global stage can play in its success. The event promises to be a milestone in the ongoing efforts to position Ghana as a key player in the international cassava market.

The International Cassava Fair (FIMAN), organized by Podium Alimentos in Brazil which opened on Tuesday, November 21st and expected to end on Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, represents a pivotal moment for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative exploration in the cassava sector .

Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to showcasing Ghana’s cassava industry on the global stage, Agrihouse Foundation, the official franchise holder for the International Cassava Fair in Ghana, lead a delegation of 17 esteemed figures across diverse sectors of the Ghanaian agricultural landscape at the International Cassava Fair in Paranavaí, Brazil.

This fair provides a unique platform for the Ghanaian delegation, comprising visionaries from various segments, including farmers, processors, input dealers, Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), aggregators, and other key players in the agricultural value chain.

the Ghanaian delegation are actively participating  as exhibitors, engaging  in illuminating Business Matchmaking sessions, and pursuing  collaborative initiatives with international counterparts. This multifaceted approach underscores the delegation’s dedication to not only showcasing the present capabilities of Ghana’s cassava industry but also fostering future growth through strategic partnerships.”

The Ghanaian delegation boasts a diverse array of influential figures, each contributing a unique perspective to the global dialogue on cassava innovation:

This diverse and influential delegation not only serves as ambassadors for Ghana’s cassava industry but also positions the nation as a key player in the global agricultural landscape.

 As Agrihouse Foundation continues to lead the charge, the future of Ghana’s cassava sector looks promising, marked by innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

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Gov’t to restrict importation of rice, ‘yemuadie’ and other products

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The government is set to lay before Parliament today, November 21, a Constitutional Instrument (C.I) seeking to restrict the importation of selected strategic products into the country.

The items, numbering over 20, will include rice, tripe (popularly called “yemuadie” in Ghana), and diapers.

The government said the move is part of efforts to enhance local production.

Speaking during a press briefing in Parliament, the Minister of Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond said, “Stomach of animals, bladder and the chunk of intestines (yemuadie), the country had had to put in an amount of about $164 million towards the importation of these items. We are taking steps to ensure that in terms of rice, there’s no poverty of rice in the country.”

He emphasized, “By these restrictions, we are not going to ensure that there’s no food in the country at all; that is not the point at all. There have to be some efforts by the government to ensure that we go back to Acheampong’s operation feed yourself. There are about 22 items on the list, one of them, I think, is diapers.”

He announced the introduction of the Ghana Standards Authority Regulations 2023, which also seeks to streamline the manufacturing of cement to ensure competitive pricing.

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American Chamber of Commerce Awards Agrihouse Foundation for Outstanding Organization and Promotion of the 2023 U.S-Ghana Business Expo.

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Agrihouse Foundation has been honoured with the prestigious American Chamber of Commerce Ghana (AmCham) Award for its exceptional organization and promotion of the 2023 U.S-Ghana Business Expo.

The distinguished accolade was presented during the 2023 AmCham Ghana Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night held at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Saturday, November 18, 2023, themed “U.S. and Ghana Diaspora: Agents of Development and Prosperity.”

Known for its commitment to acknowledging excellence in initiatives fostering global partnerships, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham), commended Agrihouse Foundation’s unwavering dedication, contribution, and hard work in organizing and promoting the 2023 Maiden edition of the U.S-Ghana Business Expo, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel from the 10th to 11th of August 2023, under the theme “Leveraging U.S-Ghana Trade Relations for Growth and Prosperity.”

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, stated, “We are honoured to receive this award from the American Chamber of Commerce. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the collaborative spirit that propels our mission. Serving as the event organizers for the 2023 U.S-Ghana Business Expo was both a privilege and a tremendous opportunity. We extend our sincere thanks to the American Chamber of Commerce Ghana for believing in us and entrusting us with the organization of the maiden U.S-Ghana Business Expo.”

The 2023 U.S-Ghana Business Expo, meticulously executed by Agrihouse Foundation, provided a platform for fostering bilateral trade collaborations and economic growth between the United States and Ghana.

The Expo had in attendance over 800 participants, including key industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs, government officials, business leaders from both nations, and the general public.

 The expo also had in attendance, trade delegation from the U.S. Department of Commerce led Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) trade delegation that included 19 companies and six trade associations, including the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, U.S. Black Chambers Inc., Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Centre for American Indian Enterprise Development, and the Organization for Women in International Trade.

The GDEI delegation represents diverse communities and industries across the United States with a focus on information and communications technology, consumer goods, and the automotive sectors.

A significant highlight of the Expo was the trade pavilion, which featured more than 40 companies. It showcased the products and services of visiting U.S. companies and trade associations, AmCham Ghana member companies, and local companies from various industries. It also provided an opportunity for participants at the event to engage in networking activities and establish strategic relationships.

The Expo yielded tangible outcomes, facilitating strategic partnerships, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and laying the foundation for sustained economic development.

Agrihouse Foundation remains committed to its mission of fostering sustainable development through initiatives that bring nations together for mutual prosperity.

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Government is committed to advancing the agenda of rural women for better livelihood.

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Women play a critical role in ensuring food security and food safety across the globe, but little support is given.

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Government allocates GH₵1bn to support PFJ II – Ken Ofori-Atta

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Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta says an amount of GH₵1 billion has been allocated to the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) to implement the Economic Enclaves Project (EEP).

The Economic Enclave Project which is part of the Ghana Care Programme seeks to create a viable ecosystem for the private sector to engage in commercial farming to significantly expand Ghana’s productive capacity in rice, tomato, maize, soya, vegetables, and poultry.

According to the Finance Minister, investing in the sector will complement the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs II initiative.

Reading the 2024 Budget, he said “To implement the Economic Enclaves at scale and speed, GHC1 Billion has been allocated to Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) to complement the PFJ II.”

He explained that this funding will be dedicated to providing infrastructure, including irrigation, and canals, as well as clearing and developing land for private sector actors in the EEP.

Again, the Finance Minister added that other interventions under the GhanaCARES programme such as the completion of Foundry will benefit from this funding.

Meanwhile, the Minister said the three enclaves which were already operational that is Kasunya in the Greater Accra, Kumawu in Ashanti, and Banda in the Oti Region will lead to the production of 160,000mt of rice by the end of 2024 over 110,000 acres of land in cultivation for the key staples.

This, he said is targeted at creating at least 5,000 jobs for the youth adding that already “ten private sector actors have responded to the expression of interest to predominantly act as anchor farmers on the developed lands.”

He stressed that “We are also using the EEP to leverage catalytic financing from key partners including MasterCard and the African Development Bank.”

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Empowering the Future: Youth Involvement in Agribusiness for Economic Prosperity in Rural Communities in Ghana is key.

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In Ghana’s economic fabric, agribusiness is a key player fostering sustainable development, especially in rural areas. As the nation looks to the future, recognizing the youth’s pivotal role in driving economic prosperity through active engagement in agribusiness becomes essential. This article explores the current state of youth involvement, its potential impact, and government initiatives in rural Ghana.

The Current Landscape

Ghana’s agricultural sector is a backbone of the economy, supporting rural populations. However, the youth in rural areas face challenges embracing agribusiness due to limited access to financing, inadequate training, and a perception of agriculture as a low-prestige occupation. The gap between the aging farming population and the youth’s inclination toward urbanization widens, raising concerns about the sector’s sustainability in meeting Ghana’s growing population’s demands.

The Potential Impact

Recognizing the untapped potential of youth in rural communities is crucial. Shifting the narrative around agribusiness to showcase its potential for innovation and profitability is necessary. Increased youth participation not only revitalizes the sector but also contributes significantly to the economic growth of rural areas. Kofi Annan’s insight, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress,” underscores the importance of empowering the youth in agribusiness to address evolving challenges.

SUCCESS STORIES

A. The Story of Abena Owusu: From Urbanite to Agripreneur

Abena Owusu’s journey from urban lifestyle to a thriving agripreneur exemplifies successful youth engagement in rural Ghana. Recognizing untapped potential, she established an organic vegetable farm, emphasizing that agribusiness is about innovation and positive community impact. Abena’s success, measured not just financially but by her positive influence, showcases the transformative power of youth-led initiatives.

B. Tech Innovations: Youth Driving Agricultural Modernization

In the digital era, Ghana’s rural youth leverage technology to revolutionize agribusiness. Mobile apps providing real-time market information, e-commerce platforms, and drone technology are examples. These innovations improve efficiency, productivity, and make agriculture more appealing to the younger generation, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern technology.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES and POLICIES

A. The National Youth in Agriculture Program

The Ghanaian government acknowledges the importance of youth in agribusiness, implementing initiatives like the National Youth in Agriculture Program. This program provides training, access to credit, and mentorship to young individuals interested in rural agribusiness. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto emphasizes that investing in the youth is an investment in the nation’s future. Continuous evaluation and adaptation are vital for program effectiveness.

B. Policy Advocacy for Youth-Inclusive Agribusiness

Besides programs, the government works on creating an enabling policy environment for youth participation in agribusiness. Advocacy for policies promoting access to land, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring fair market practices for youth entrepreneurs in rural communities is crucial. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector is essential for sustained success.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUTH

A. Identifying Niche Markets and Value Addition

Youth entering agribusiness can identify niche markets and opportunities for value addition. Exploring organic produce, exotic crops, or specialty products tailored to health-conscious consumers provides a competitive edge. Beyond primary production, opportunities for value addition, such as processing and packaging, enhance marketability.

B. Access to Finance and Collaborative Partnerships

Limited access to finance is a significant challenge for youth in agribusiness. Financial literacy programs covering budgeting, financial planning, and risk management are vital for responsible fund use. Collaborations between youth-led agribusinesses and established players in the industry facilitate knowledge transfer and mentorshisp

CONCLUSION

In the following sections, we will explore strategies to overcome challenges faced by youth in agribusiness, discuss the future outlook of youth involvement in the sector, and conclude with a call to action for all stakeholders shaping the future of Ghana’s agricultural landscape. The focus remains on empowering the youth, bridging gaps, and fostering sustainable practices for a resilient and dynamic agribusiness sector in rural Ghana.

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Government commends farmers on increase of certified seeds from 10% to 40%.

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The Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hardi Tufeiru, has indicated that certified seed use by farmers in the country has seen a significant increase following the introduction of the Planting for Food and Jobs programme.

He said about 40 percent of farmers now use improved seeds for farming.

The Deputy Minister, who said this at the 4th National Seed Business and Networking Forum Seed Link 2023 in Tamale, said while this represents significant progress, there is a need for more farmers to adopt the practice.

“From 2017 to 2022, we have seen a surge in the use and application of certified seed by farmers. We have seen that farmers have been advised and encouraged to use certified hybrid, open varieties of the certified seed in Ghana from less than 10 percent to now 40 percent. So you can see that a lot more farmers now see that if you use hybrid seed, your chances of productivity is higher than the traditional reuse seeds,” he said.

Mr Tuferu said Ghana in 2020 produced over 17,000 metric tons of certified seeds, adding that even though this success was achieved, government had to import maize seeds for planting because of the non-availability of maize seeds.

He therefore urged the seed producers to take advantage of the market and produce to meet the demand.

The President of the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG), Dr Amos Rutherford Azinu said the past few years have been nothing short of exceptional within Ghana’s seed sector.

He said the country has witnessed an upsurge in the demand for certified high-quality seeds. Dr Azinu said farmers are in search of high-yield, resilient, pest-resistant seeds to enhance crop productivity.

”The private sector has joined this endeavor, significantly boosting farmers’ access to quality seed.”

He stated that they have made notable strides in combating climate change by introducing different varieties of weather-resistant crops.

A seed producer and lecturer at the University for Development Studies, Dr Sanatu Mustaha Alidu outlined land acquisition, land preparation, equipment among others as challenges faced by female seed producers.

”It starts right from the acquisition of land, you would have to get a male in that same field to help you acquire the land. It is a well-known fact that if a woman gets to a community to meet the chief of that community to look for land, she must get a male to accompany her,” she said.

Dr Sanatu called for the roping in of more women in the sector to help increase the voices of women and also empower women.

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