Accra: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Opoku emphasized the integral role that women play in the agricultural economy during the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Induction Ceremony of the Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farming Award Winners (GAFAFAW). He stated that women are essential as farmers, processors, traders, and innovators who ensure food reaches markets and tables across the nation.
Mr Opoku outlined the government's support through initiatives like the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda and the Feed Ghana Programme. These initiatives aim to improve access to modern farming technologies, inputs, extension services, value addition, climate-smart agriculture, market access, and business training for women-led agribusinesses. He also praised GAFAFAW for its impact since its establishment in 2023, noting its role in policy dialogues, mentorship of smallholder farmers, and the recognition of Madam Charity Akortia as Ghana's first female National Best Farmer in 2023.
The Minister encouraged the newly inducted award-winning farmers and fishers to share their knowledge, embrace innovation, and strengthen partnerships to expand their enterprises. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working closely with GAFAFAW to promote gender-responsive policies, facilitate training and exhibitions, and ensure women's voices are represented at every level of agricultural decision-making.
Madam Ernestina Osei-Tutu, Chairperson of GAFAFAW, highlighted that the Association was created from the determination of women farmers to unite and seek recognition in national agricultural policy. She recounted that GAFAFAW, formed in 2023 by 20 female award-winning farmers, is rooted in self-reliance and resilience. 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.
Madam Osei-Tutu stated, "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."
