Ghana’s agricultural transformation requires the full and active participation of rural women, Mr Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has said.
He noted that women remained the backbone of Ghana’s food systems and must be empowered to play a leading role in shaping the future of agriculture.
“Across Ghana, women form the backbone of our agricultural economy. They are farmers, processors, traders, and innovators who ensure food reaches our markets and tables,” he said at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Induction Ceremony of the Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farming Award Winners (GAFAFAW).
“The transformation of Ghana’s agriculture will not be complete without the full and active participation of women,” he added.
Mr Opoku outlined the government’s support through the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda and the Feed Ghana Programme, which improves access to modern farming technologies, inputs, extension services, value addition, climate-smart agriculture, market access, and business training for women-led agribusinesses.
He applauded GAFAFAW for its impact since its establishment in 2023, noting its role in policy dialogues, mentorship of smallholder farmers, and the historic recognition of Madam Charity Akortia as Ghana’s first female National Best Farmer in 2023.
The Minister urged the newly inducted award-winning farmers and fishers to share their knowledge, embrace innovation, and strengthen partnerships to scale up their enterprises.
“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to working closely with GAFAFAW to promote gender-responsive policies, facilitate training and exhibitions, and ensure your voices are represented at every level of agricultural decision-making,” he said.
Madam Ernestina Osei-Tutu, Chairperson of GAFAFAW, said the Association was born out of the determination of women farmers to unite and push for recognition in national agricultural policy.
She recalled that GAFAFAW, formed in 2023 by 20 female award-winning farmers, was rooted in the values of self-reliance and resilience.
Madam Osei-Tutu said that despite challenges such as the closure of USAID operations in Ghana, which affected their capacity-building support, members have remained committed and continue to build a strong platform for rural women farmers.
“As we always say: We are moving forward… we want them to see that women are not hiding, and we are the ones feeding the nation,” she said.
Source: Access Agric
