Access Bank PLC, a leading financial institution renowned for its innovative financial solutions and proactive approach to promoting economic development, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting women in agriculture.
In line with its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Access Bank, through its partnership with Agrihouse Foundation for the 6th gathering of the Royals, extended support to over one thousand participants, including 200 Queen Mothers from across the sixteen Regions, 265 Women Farmers and Farm Associations from across the sixteen regions of Ghana, and seventy women Agri-processors.
This collaboration exemplifies Access Bank’s commitment to providing both technical assistance and financial aid, thereby empowering women in the agricultural sector.
In a statement, the Zonal Head Of Retail Banking At Access Bank Ghana PLC, Josephine Eva Arthur, stated that Access Bank recognizes the contribution of women in the economy and is keen on empowering women in Ghana and across Africa in the agricultural value chain by providing them with access to finance, networking opportunities and quality customer service.
‘’We all know that women are the backbone of the family and the economy. Access Bank have also realized that many women in the agribusiness value chain lack the maximum support to excel in the sector so basically wants to empower women and enable them to succeed . We believe that by doing so, they can contribute to their families, communities, and the country as a whole..
As part of Access Bank’s corporate social responsibility, we ensure we provide women in the agribusiness value chain with capacity building to excel in their individual ventures.”
Access Bank PLC ‘s partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation underscores our commitment to making a positive impact in communities and driving meaningful change in the agricultural landscape. As a responsible corporate citizen, Access Bank continues to champion initiatives that empower women, foster sustainable development, and build a brighter future for all.
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 a platform for queen mothers across the sixteen regions of Ghana who are actively involved in farming and women agribusiness to meet with stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the farming sector in their respective regions and seek solutions.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, in appreciating Access Bank PLC’s , highlighted the significant impacts and contributions of their partnership for the 6th Gathering of the Royals in providing an invaluable platform for the over five hundred and forty-seven participants.
“I am honored to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Access Bank and all our sponsors for their commitment in aligning with our vision and passion to influence agribusiness growth and recognize women’s advancement within the sector.
Through their contributions, we were able to host a highly successful event, out of which participants engaged in substantive discussions, exchanged farming experiences, and addressed critical issues affecting their regions and communities, from enhancing access to resources to overcoming market challenges and promoting sustainable practices. These discussions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghana’s agricultural sector.”
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 assured to take driven 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.
in attendance were Dignitaries including the Former First Lady Of The Republic Of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman -Rawlings, Zambian High Commissioner , H.E. Excellency Timothy Mwaba Walamba, Deputy High Commissioner Of Kenya To Ghana, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklo Agyemang Iv, Adidome Chief , Deputy Minister For Food And Agriculture In charge Of Crops, Hon. Yaw Frimpong Addo ,Oyeabour Anobaa Sasraku, Larteh Sumankwaa Hene and representatives from private institutions, academia, research associations, and civil society organizations making a remarkable results in building collaboration, sharing great practices, and forging partnerships focused at addressing the challenges faced by women in agriculture.
Other sponsors of the event included Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited (AMG), Delta Paper Mill Limited , Twellium Industrial Company Limited and Rejuvenate Gaia Global Limited and Rainbow Agrosciences .