The Agrihouse Foundation, a youth-led agricultural development organisation, has received national commendation from the government for its contribution to the agricultural sector and its value chain.
Speaking during the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration held in Ho in the Volta Region, Mr Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, praised the organisation for partnering with government to boost the agriculture sector.
He particularly highlighted Agrihouse Foundation’s pivotal role in organising the National Agriculture Fair, describing the partnership between the Ministry and the Foundation as an “effective and sustainable model” for managing the event.
“Mr President, I wish to express our gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation for organising the National Agriculture Fair. This partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has evolved into an effective and sustainable model for managing the fair,” he said.
The Minister noted that the Foundation’s support had saved government the huge sums previously spent annually on organising the fair.
“Through Agrihouse Foundation’s mobilisation for the nation and logistical expertise, the five-day fair, which previously imposed heavy financial cost on government, has successfully been delivered this year at no cost to the state,” he added.
He stated that the Ministry deeply appreciates the collaboration and looks forward to strengthening the relationship.
In an interview after the event, Madam Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, said the recognition was both historic and deeply emotional for the organisation, which works to create opportunities for youth in the agriculture sector.
She noted that despite eight years of supporting the Ministry in hosting agricultural exhibitions, this was the first time their efforts had been officially acknowledged by a government minister.
“Agrihouse Foundation is a young and youth-led agriculture development organisation, and what the Minister has said demonstrates that if the youth are given opportunities, we can deliver,” she stated.
“For the first time in eight years that we have been assisting MoFA to host the exhibitions, this is the first minister who has ever recognised our efforts. No one has ever recognised or acknowledged us before.”
She emphasised that the organisation has been an active partner in transforming Ghana’s agriculture sector, providing advocacy, mentorship, and training to more than 700,000 farmers, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities, across all 16 regions.
“Through our many projects and interventions, we have built capacities, strengthened markets for farmers, established demonstration farms for training, and more, but this happens to be our first recognition in this country. All other recognitions come from outside,” she said.
Madam Akosa expressed hope that the acknowledgment would open doors for stronger national support and inspire more young people to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector.
GNA
