The Minister for Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Honorable Eric Opoku has reaffirmed government’s commitment to empower women through the Feed Ghana Programme implemented under the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA).
According to him, the ministry would help improve access to modern farming technologies and extension services, support for value addition and Agro-processing, promotion of climate-smart agriculture, and the facilitation of market and financial access to empower women farmers and the agricultural sector at large.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and induction ceremony of Ghana Association of Female Agricultural and Fish Farmers Award Winners (GAFAFAW) in Accra on Tuesday, on the theme; “Rooted in Experience, Rising in Leadership: Rural Women at the Heart of Agricultural Transformation,” the minister commended the association for its continuous contributions to advancing women’s leadership in agriculture.
He said rural women formed the “backbone of Ghana’s agricultural economy,” noting that they play multiple roles as farmers, processors, traders, and innovators who sustain households and national food systems.
“Rural women farmers are custodians of indigenous knowledge, champions of food security, and key actors in our drive for agricultural transformation. Yet, too often, their contributions go unrecognized and their potential underutilized,” he said.
Hon. Opoku further applauded GAFAFAW for its achievements since its establishment in 2023, particularly its advocacy role in national policy dialogues and its mentorship of smallholder farmers.
On her part, the Chairperson of GAFAFAW, Ms Ernestina Osei-Tutu called on government and institutions to recognize and support rural women farmers.
According to her, rural women remained central to the country’s agricultural transformation and economic development.
Ms Osei-Tutu acknowledged challenges such as access to land, (particularly in Northern and the Volta Region), the impact of climate change on farming activities, and limited access to credit and equipment as the most pressing women faced.
According to her, GAFAFAW had continued to make progress despite setbacks, noting that the Members have excelled in national, regional, and district award schemes, built strong partnerships with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and secured support from private sector entities such as Yara Ghana.
Addressing the newly inducted members, she urged them to see themselves not only as successful farmers but also as leaders with a responsibility to mentor others and advocate for rural women’s inclusion in decision-making processes.
“Through GAFAFAW, we are ensuring that rural women remain at the heart of all agricultural transformation efforts in Ghana. We are the women feeding the nation, and together, we stand stronger than ever before,” Ms Osei-Tutu asserted.