by Linda Boateng | Mar 7, 2024 | Article
Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited (AMG Fertilizers), a local manufacturer and distributor of advanced crop nutrition performance fertilizers, has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting women, promoting agribusinesses, and advancing the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the 6th Gathering of the Royals organized by the Agrihouse Foundation on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” the General Manager at Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited, Mrs Dorothy Opoku , emphasized AMG’s dedication to driving agricultural innovation and excellence, while acknowledging the pivotal role of women in agriculture and their invaluable contributions.
“Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited proudly reaffirms our unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and excellence. As leaders in the industry, we understand the pivotal role women play in agriculture and acknowledge their invaluable contributions,” she stated.
She further highlighted AMG’s belief in harnessing the full potential of every individual, particularly women, recognizing their significant impact on the future of farming.
“By empowering communities and championing gender equality initiatives, we aim to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development in the agricultural landscape,” she added.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, in acknowledging sponsors, emphasized the significant impacts and contributions their partnership for the 6th gathering of the Royals made in providing an invaluable platform for over one thousand participants. This included Ninety-six Queen Mothers from across the sixteen Regions, two hundred and sixty-five (265) Women Farmers And Farm Associations from across the sixteen regions of Ghana, seventy women Agri-processors commanding value and volume within the agricultural sector.
“I am honoured to extend my sincerest appreciation to our esteemed sponsors for their invaluable support and unwavering commitment to our cause.
Through their generous contributions, we have witnessed remarkable strides in empowering women in agribusiness and fostering gender equality within the agricultural sector.
‘’AMG Fertilizers stood out with their remarkable support and dedication to our mission and has played a pivotal role in creating tangible impacts and positive change. Together, we have not only created a platform for these women to dialogue but also helped them in accessing opportunities within the agricultural value chain and facilitate their empowerment and advancement promoting gender equality and empowering women in agribusiness’’.
The 6th Gathering of the Royals, held on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” also included a Royal Panel discussion led by Queen Mother Nana Akuamoah II of Tuobodom. Esteemed panelists included Queen Mother Nana Auah Tawiah I of Swfi Asempa Na Eye in the Western North Region, Queen Mother Nana Adwoa Larboh I of Yji Traditional Area in the Bono East Region, as well as Miriama Saaka, Queen Mother of Sadoboora-Wungu Traditional Area in the North East Region, and Braimah Azara Kabachewurche Timu Burnyanso I, Queen Mother of Kabache-Kpeme Traditional Council in the Savannah Region. Also present were Nana Aba Kyere III, Queen Mother of Abirem Agona in the Central Region, Queen Mother Nana Amponsah Sekle II of Mafi Gidikpi Number 1 in the Volta Region, and Nana Darkowaaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, Paramount Queen Mother of Yamfo Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region.
These Queen Mothers shared insights into the challenges they face in their respective regions, which included limited access to land, lack of financial support, difficulties in accessing market linkages, absence of modern mechanized equipment for farming, inadequate road networks, lack of extension services, and absence of pension schemes for farmers, among others.
Agrihouse Foundation is poised to take proactive measures in response to the challenges identified. the next line of action encompasses implementing tailored initiatives to directly tackle these obstacles, advocating for policy reforms to create a more conducive environment for women in agriculture, and offering comprehensive support services to empower women and foster sustainable practices within the agribusiness sector.
The 6th Gathering of the Royals also had in attendees Dignitaries including the Former First Lady Of The Republic Of Ghana ,Nana Konadu Agyeman -Rawlings, Zambian High Commissioner , His Excellency Timothy Mwaba Walamba, Deputy High Commissioner Of Kenya To Ghana, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklo Agyemang Iv, Adidome Chief , Deputy Minister For Food And Agriculture Incharge Of Crops, Hon.Yaw Frimpong Addo ,Oyeabour Anobaa Sasraku ,Larteh Sumankwaahene and representatives from private institutions, academia, research associations, and civil society organizations making a significant impacts in fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and forging partnerships aimed at addressing the challenges faced by women in agriculture.
by Linda Boateng | Mar 7, 2024 | News
Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was bestowed with an honorary award at the 6th Gathering of the Royals, organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to advancing women’s empowerment, development, and gender equality.
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, renowned for her unwavering commitment to championing the cause of women across Ghana, was celebrated for her steadfast advocacy and tireless efforts in promoting gender equality.
She was honored for her instrumental role in shaping policies and programs aimed at promoting women’s participation in various sectors, including agriculture, education, and healthcare.
As a token of appreciation, she was awarded a framed collection of her impactful speeches focusing on gender equality and empowerment, a specially crafted Kente cloth named after her, and a documentary capturing the lives of both men and women impacted and empowered by her initiatives,among which included traders, old NDC officials, market women ,students among others.
speaking during the award presentation ,Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, highlighted Nana Konadu’s dedication to advancing women’s rights, emphasizing the importance of honoring her enduring legacy.
“We were deeply moved by her lifelong commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment and gender equality,” remarked the Executive Director. “Her tireless efforts have not only inspired countless individuals but have also led to tangible progress in our society.
Nana Konadu embodies the spirit of the Gathering of the Royals, which seeks to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of our agricultural sector and the empowerment of women.”
Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu, the President for the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana, reiterated Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ dedication to advocating for women’s development, empowerment, and gender equality.
‘’Under her leadership, the 31 December Women’s Movement empowered Ghanaian women to generate income, save money for community projects, and become active participants in decision-making processes in their villages. Additionally, Nana Konadu played a pivotal role in the adoption of the Intestate Succession Law, encouraged women’s participation in the electoral process, and made history by becoming the first woman to run for President of Ghana in 2016”.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from Agrihouse Foundation and the Queen Mothers Foundation ” she stated. “Women’s empowerment is not just a goal; it is a moral imperative and a fundamental human right. We must continue to strive for equality and justice for all. I dedicate this honor to the countless women whose voices have been silenced and whose contributions have been overlooked. It is their resilience and courage that inspire me to continue this important work.”
The 6th Gathering of the Royals, held on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement,” provided an invaluable platform for over one thousand participants ,which includes Ninety-six Queen Mothers from across the sixteen Regions ,two hundred and sixty five (265) Women Farmers And Farm Associations from across the sixteen regions of Ghana and seventy women Agri-processors commanding value and volume with the agricultural sector ,participation also included dignitaries from diverse sectors such as development partners, government agencies, private institutions, academia, research associations, and civil society organizations.
Through thought-provoking discussions, networking sessions, and cultural showcases, the event fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, sharing of best practices, and forging of partnerships aimed at driving sustainable development in the agricultural sector.ADVERTISEMENT
During the royal panel discussion led by Queen Mother Nana Akuamoah II of Tuobodom, other esteemed panelists included Queen Mother Nana Auah Tawiah I of Swfi Asempa Na Eye in the Western North Region, Queen Mother Nana Adwoa Larboh I of Yji Traditional Area in the Bono East Region, and others such as Miriama Saaka, Queen Mother of Sadoboora-Wungu Traditional Area in the North East Region, and Braimah Azara Kabachewurche Timu Burnyanso I, Queen Mother of Kabache-Kpeme Traditional Council in the Savannah Region. Also present were Nana Aba Kyere III , Queen Mother of Abirem Agona in the Central Region, Queen Mother Nana Amponsah Sekle II of Mafi Gidikpi Number 1 in the Volta Region, and Nana Darkowaaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, Paramount Queen Mother of Yamfo Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region.
these Queen Mothers shared insights into the challenges they face in their respective regions, which include issues such as limited access to land, lack of financial support, difficulties in accessing market linkages, absence of modern mechanized equipment for farming, inadequate road networks, lack of extension services, and the absence of pension schemes for farmers, among others.They collectively appealed to the government and corporate organizations to urgently extend their support to address these pressing issues.
The 6th Gathering of the Royals was held in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana, with support from corporate sponsors including Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited, Twellium Ghana Limited , Browngi Tractors and Implements, and Rainbow Agrosciences others includes Access Bank,Delta Paper Mill (FLORAL TISSUE) ,Rejuvenate Gaia Global Limited , ADDFRA
by Linda Boateng | Mar 7, 2024 | News
Hon. Yaw Frimpong, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, has stressed the vital assistance Phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative will extend to women farmers. This support includes access to necessary inputs, contingent upon beneficiaries registering their lands with the District Directorate of Agriculture by the conclusion of March 2024, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
Speaking at the 6th Annual Gathering of the Royals, organized by the Agrihouse Foundation under the theme “Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honoring Women’s Advancement” on Thursday February 29th 2024, in Accra, he outlined plans to provide women farmers with access to inputs.
The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture urged Queen Mothers to play a pivotal role in facilitating access to land for youth, particularly women, encouraging them to leverage input credits for commercial agriculture to address unemployment. He stressed the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in food production and reducing importation by 10% to 20% by 2027.
“After reviewing the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, we have identified several gaps, such as the need for financial assistance and recognizing the potential of women in agriculture. Therefore, we are providing access to input credits under Phase 2 of the program,” He explained.
To qualify for support, beneficiaries must have registered land with the District Directorate of Agriculture by the end of March. The program will target farms cultivating various crops and poultry, connecting them to aggregators who will provide agricultural inputs on credit through extension officers. The cost of inputs will be deducted from the total revenue at the end of sales.
Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo, also announced plans to appoint off-takers to purchase produce directly from farms and transport them to warehouses, thereby easing the burden of marketing and selling for farmers. This streamlined process aims to ensure efficient distribution of agricultural products to consumers and enhance the agricultural value chain.
In addition to supporting farmers, he assured stakeholders of improved infrastructure, including road networks, to facilitate agricultural activities effectively. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
