Agrihouse Foundation has launched the 7th edition of the Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) and Gold in the Soil Awards, with a renewed commitment to champion the role of women in the agriculture sector.

Agrihouse Foundation is a non-governmental organisation in Ghana dedicated to agricultural development and social impact, with the mission to transform perceptions of agriculture and empower stakeholders across the value chain through capacity building, innovation and people-centred initiatives.

The foundation is committed to reshaping the narrative around agriculture by implementing practical programmes that engage students, women, farmers, agribusinesses and other actors within the agricultural sector with initiatives emphasising mentorship, empowerment, leadership development, best practices, management skills, training, field demonstrations and advocacy.

The launch, which took place in the Cape Coast, was marked by a passionate call to invest in the strength, resilience and leadership potential of women farmers, processors, agripreneurs and persons living with disabilities who are making significant contributions to the sector.

18,000 women

In a speech read on behalf of the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, described the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards as a transformative movement that has empowered over 18,000 women across various regions in Ghana, including Volta, Ashanti, Upper East, Upper West, Western, Western North, Eastern and Bono.

The General Manager, Agrihouse Communications, Regina Antwiwaa Mensah, who read the speech, said, “This initiative has not only highlighted the contributions of women but has also given a voice to the marginalised, including women farmers who are challenged whose courage and innovation continue to inspire us,” the speech noted.

She noted that this year’s awards would feature 16 competitive categories aimed at recognising women who were breaking barriers and creating change across the agricultural value chain.

Ms Mensah, however, expressed concern over the absence of female representation in tractor and machinery operations, a gap they were determined to bridge, starting with the Central Region.

She again observed that the age gap in the sector was another issue where the youth were not ready to venture into agriculture.

“The youngest award-winning woman we have recorded so far is 35-years-old,” he stated.

Legal reforms

In a speech read on behalf of the Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, he emphasised the importance of supporting legal reforms that would guarantee land rights for women in agriculture.

He stressed that land titles needed to bear women's names and called for intensified community education to challenge long-standing cultural beliefs that have prevented women from owning land.

The Central Regional Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Kwame Damoah, commended Agrihouse Foundation for incorporating the fisheries sector into this year’s initiative.

He emphasised that supporting women in agriculture, including fishing was crucial since many fishing-related tasks were primarily carried out by women.

The Central Regional Director of Gender, Richlove Amamoo, observed that empowering women in the agricultural sector was key to driving economic development in the country.

She noted that women played a vital role in agriculture and supporting their efforts would significantly boost national growth.

She further stressed the need for targeted interventions and policies that create equal opportunities for women to thrive in the sector.