The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, has called for private sector participation to propel the growth of agriculture.
“Experience over the years has shown that government cannot solely transform the agriculture of a country. All hands are needed on deck to sustain the momentum for propelling the growth and development of the agriculture sector,” he said at the ‘Gathering of the Royals’ programme in Accra on Tuesday.
Organised by Agrihouse Foundation, a non-governmental agricultural organisation, the programme brought together 50 queenmothers, members of academia, policymakers, the government, development partners and agriculture institutions to discuss measures to promote agriculture in the country.
Under the theme “The role of Royals in Accelerating Agri-Peace and Development Sustainable Farmers,” the programme created a platform for the participants to explore opportunities within the agric sector and also discussed conflict resolutions alternatives towards Peace-building, and the development of sustainable farmers in our country.
The programme was sponsored by Agromonti Company Limited, Eco Africa Resource Africa Group, WAATCO, Nanam Ventures, Benyima Farms and C. Woermann.
Mr Addo said the government believed in private sector participation and partnership that brought all actors together to forge formidable alliance in finding enduring solutions to the problems of agriculture, such as finance, input supply and value-added services.
The Deputy Minister observed that agriculture sector had great potential that must be harnessed for the benefit of the country, adding that the country’s push for industrialisation could not be realised without raw materials to fuel industry.
Mr Addo commended Agrihouse Foundation for the programme and urged the participants to come out with suggestions and solutions to propel the agriculture sector, indicating that the COVI-19 pandemic had exacerbated the challenges facing agriculture.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Ms Alberta Nana AkyaaAkosaSarpong, in her remarks said the ‘Gathering of Royals,’ for the past three years had been held as part of the annual Women in Food and Agric Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
The WOFAGRIC, she said “mentors, trains and builds the capacity of women in agriculture, whiles celebrating the efforts of outstanding ones.”
“Our intention has always been to organize ‘Gathering of the Royals,’ as a standalone event, to make more room for our queen mothers to nurture their relationships with corporate stakeholders who have the knowledge, technical and financial power to help them scale-up agri-focused projects and social interventions they are championing in their various districts and communities,” she said.
Ms Sarpong indicated that queenmothers were integral gatekeepers in our Ghanaian culture and it was therefore important, they were empowered and engage in the national dialogues.
“At the end of today’s event, we look forward to feedbacks and inputs from all stakeholders, on solution-oriented measures that can positively influence our country’s Agricultural growth, enhance livelihoods and contribute to food security within our various communities,” she said.
Ms Sarpong expressed gratitude to the queenmothers for attending the programme and partners who sponsored it.
The Managing Director of Agromonti, Benjamin Offei, in speech read on his behalf, said his outfit was proud to be associated with the programme.
He said the objective of the programme was line with the vision of the company to promote agriculture and supply quality input to players in the sector.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
