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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
As part of efforts to curb unemployment in the country, thirty seven youth from across the country are benefiting from the ECOWAS youth training on sustainable yam production for lowlands and uplands at the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI.
The training seeks to foster entrepreneurial skills among the youth.
“The essence of the training is that we want them to go back as yam farmers, produce yam and then expand their farm in a way that they can employ other people.
“Unemployment is a big issue in Ghana and all over the world and especially in Africa.
“The agricultural sector employs over fifty percent of the population and once we are able to improve Agriculture and bring the young ones in it is going to bring a huge effect on our economy in terms of the money staying with Ghanaians. We are here to train them to get skills to employ themselves,” Deputy Director of CSIR-CRI, Dr Maxwell Asante explained.
The coordinator of the programme, Prof. Emmanuel Otoo mentioned that the training will equip them with knowledge on yam processing methods.
“Basically, we are looking at yam production and yam production as a business. Our land is fertile for yam production. We produce a number of tonnes of yam after Nigeria, we export them as well. It is indeed a profitable business and we can do so much with yam. Apart from boiling, we can process them into ice-cream as well,” he said.
A facilitator, Dr. Jonas Osei-Adu, a senior research scientist at the Crops Research Institute said the workshop, “will look at technologies that will help us to mitigate the effect of climate change. We mostly loose output when there is climate change so we will look at some technologies that will help produce yam and feed the world.
If there is drought, what varieties can we plant? What agronomic can you adopt? How can we use weather data to plan our farming activities to get the best out of our farms.”
The training is funded by ECOWAS and implemented by the Crops Research Institute.
The outlook of the Ghana cedi now hinges on the timing of the anticipated foreign exchange inflows from the cocoa syndication loan and the second tranche of the International Monetary Fund.
According to GCB Capital, this is crucial to the stability of the cedi for the rest of the year.
For the remainder of quarter 4, 2023, many analysts and market watchers believe the inflows of the cocoa syndication loan and the second tranche of the International Monetary Fund bailout package will influence the performance of the cedi.
Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is yet to close the 2023/24 annual cocoa loan syndication of $800 million. The country is also awaiting a $600 million inflow from the IMF and other disbursements from the World Bank.
GCB Capital said, “We believe the delayed closure, possibly due to unfavourable pricing, partly underscores the thinning foreign exchange liquidity conditions on the market”.
Others believe that the cedi’s performance for the rest of 2023 is based on foreign inflows that come in around this time of the year.
The cedi last week remained broadly stable against the US dollar, moving within a predictable range on both the interbank and retail market segments.
This was after rating agency, Fitch Ratings, upgraded Ghana’s rating to ‘CCC’ from restrictive default.
The local unit remained fairly stable (-0.08%) week-on-week vs the US dollar in the retail market, starting the week’s trades at a mid-rate of 12.00/$ to close at 12.01/$.
Although the Bank of Ghana provided some foreign exchange support, the unit weakened 0.34% week-on-week against the pound but remained unchanged against the euro on the retail market.
Likewise, the local currency depreciated by 0.33% against the dollar, 1.68% against the pound, and 2.18% against the euro in the interbank market on a week-on-week basis
Meanwhile, the cedi has lost about 11.7% against the dollar in the retail market since January 1, 2023 and about 22% on the interbank market.
Africa Development Bank (AfDB) has announced the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Alliance (SAPZ).
The project aims to mobilise at least $2 billion in financing and investment commitments from its members over the next five years.
President of the African Development Bank, Femi Adesina, says the project is a significant step towards making Africa a player in the global food and agricultural value chains.
The Africa Development Bank (AfDB) has announced the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Alliance (SAPZ), a groundbreaking project aimed at mobilizing at least $2 billion in financing and investment commitments from its members and partners over the next five years.
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Alliance was launched at the ongoing Africa Investment Forum by a group of founding partners, including Afreximbank, Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB).
This ambitious project, according to the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, is a significant step towards making Africa a player in the global food and agricultural value chains.
“The size of Africa’s food and agriculture market is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, with the new millionaires and billionaires coming from the food and agriculture industry rather than the oil and gas sector. It’s time for Africa to fill airplanes and ships with processed and value-added foods and agricultural commodities for trade around the world,” Dr. Adesina stated.
The Minister of State for Treasury, Republic of Rwanda, Richard Tusabe, who was also present at the launch of the initiative, believes that the SAPZ will give Africa a chance to produce the food it needs at scale while also producing high-quality goods.
“The SAPZ will play a critical role in achieving this goal by producing quality food at scale, not only to feed the African population but also to export around the world,” he said.
The Africa Investment Forum, themed “Unlocking Africa’s value chains“, brings together over 1,500 participants from more than 80 countries, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the world of pan-African dealmaking.
The forum focuses on digital disruptors and transformation technology, providing a platform for insightful discussions about the diverse opportunities and challenges faced by the African economy.
Amid ongoing discussions about the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – which allows qualifying African countries to export certain products duty-free to the US – several food and agriculture companies with operations in Nigeria are already tapping into the massive American market.
Lanre Awojoodu, CEO of Sourcing and Produce, initially focused on exporting cocoa from Nigeria to Europe before expanding to commodities like cashew nuts and ginger. In 2021, the company introduced its own brand, So Pure, and opened a storefront on Amazon. Aimed at the Nigerian diaspora in the US, So Pure offers products such as the ancient grain fonio, fufu flour (made from starchy vegetables like cassava and yam), ofada rice (an unpolished, parboiled rice native to Nigeria), pepper soup spice, blended crayfish, and suya mix (a robust blend of West African spices).
These processed goods are sourced and packaged in Nigeria and then shipped to the US, where Sourcing and Produce has also established an office in Wyoming.
Another Nigerian entrepreneur tapping the American market is Shalom Bako Dangombe. When he was 14 years old, his father relocated their family of five from Bauchi state in northern Nigeria to Orange County, California. There, Bako finished high school and attended college, and at one point it looked like he would commit to a future as a professional soccer player. He played first at his college, where he earned a communications degree, and later the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Yet now, in his mid-thirties, Bako spends his days engaging with smallholder farmers in northern Nigeria, persuading them to grow hibiscus flowers for Afrivana, the company he established in 2019. Afrivana specialises in marketing and distributing African superfoods, particularly dried hibiscus flowers. The company sells its products in bulk or under private label to clients in the US, UK, and beyond.
When he noticed hibiscus tea on American shelves, it brought back childhood memories of selling the beverage to classmates after school. Known as zobo in northern Nigeria, the drink is popular among Mexican and Caribbean communities in the US. Bako recognised a ready market for the flower, which was used to fence crops in his home village.
However, his early attempts to engage American buyers were met with reluctance. To many companies, the prospect of doing business with a Nigerian entity seemed fraught with risk. “We overcame those hurdles by importing larger volumes and storing them in the US. Then we distributed from these warehouses,” explains Bako. This tactic proved successful as clients were more comfortable with the product being readily available in their vicinity and promptly delivered.
Shine Bridge Global, a US-based food science and agribusiness company, was established in 2018 by Dr Tony Bello, a native of Nigeria. The company specialises in creating products from cassava sourced in Nigeria.
In recent years, Shine Bridge Global has been focusing on converting high-quality cassava flour into instant tapioca flakes. Tapioca is derived from the cassava root and the resulting flakes, according to Bello, have similar applications to potato flakes. Potato flakes are utilised as a food ingredient in the production of various commercially available items, such as pasta and snacks, and also serve as a thickener in gravies and desserts. The company is also in the process of developing a few other cassava-derived food products such as crackers, pizza crusts, ready-mix fufu, fried snacks and flatbreads – all using its tapioca flakes.
Shine Bridge Global has set its sights on launching both the tapioca flakes and the end-consumer packaged goods in the US and UK for a trial phase. Following this, it plans to gradually scale up production, selling to consumer packaged goods companies and marketers.
Affiong Williams, CEO of ReelFruit – a producer of dried fruit snacks based in Nigeria – views the substantial Nigerian diaspora in America as an opportunity for businesses like hers to gain a foothold in the US market. “There is no better market, or no lower hanging fruit, than your people in another country,” she says. “I see a growing opportunity for products such as mine and other food products that are becoming more global in their standards, to sell to the Nigerian market in the US.”
An estimated 5 million Nigerians live overseas, with a notable portion residing in the US. While the Nigerian diaspora in the US might feel a connection to their homeland, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll choose a ReelFruit packet out of nostalgia. Williams acknowledges that for her product to be successful, it must also resonate with a broader American consumer base, not just those with Nigerian heritage. “Many foods exported from Nigeria to the US are for Nigerians in the diaspora, however, if people could produce food and snacks with wider appeal it could be a big opportunity,” she notes.
