34-year-old, Hannah Aidoo, has made history by becoming the youngest recipient of the Ultimate Gold in the Soil Award at the 7th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum and Gold in the Soil Awards (WOFAGRIC), organized by Agrihouse Foundation in Cape Coast, in the Central Region.
The two-day interventional initiative which brought together over 1,300 participants, including women farmers, processors, agripreneurs, input dealers, and women with disabilities. under the theme “Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development,” recognized and awarded 17 exceptional women and one supportive Agri man for their work across the agricultural value chain.
Speaking after receiving the award, Hannah Aidoo described the honour as a deeply personal and professional milestone. She shared the practical challenges she has faced in her business, particularly with transportation.
“Winning this award is more than an honour, it’s a validation of the struggles, the sleepless nights, and the belief that agriculture can be a powerful tool for change.
Moving farm produce and inputs was always a major hurdle. But thanks to Agrihouse Foundation, I’ve been gifted a brand-new tricycle, which will ease my movement and significantly enhance my productivity,” she said.
She extended her appreciation to Agrihouse Foundation, as well as to Global Affairs Canada and Yara Ghana, for their continuous investment in women-led agribusinesses.
“I sincerely thank Agrihouse Foundation, Global Affairs Canada, and Yara Ghana. Their support goes beyond words it transforms lives, and I am living proof of that,” she added.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, expressed her excitement about the increasing engagement of young people, particularly women, in agriculture. She noted that Hannah’s win is a powerful example of the changing landscape of the sector.
“Seeing a 34-year-old win the highest award this year is both exciting and encouraging. It shows us that young women are not just participating in agriculture they’re leading, innovating, and breaking new ground. That’s what WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards are all about: creating opportunities, building confidence, and highlighting the women who are moving our food systems forward.”
She added that the energy and enthusiasm from the youth at this year’s forum signals a bright future for agriculture in Ghana.
“This year, we’ve witnessed a vibrant wave of youth actively engaged in agriculture. Hannah’s win as the youngest ever recipient of the Ultimate Gold in the Soil Award is a proud moment for all of us.
It shows that young women are not only embracing agribusiness but are excelling at it. Their innovative spirit and resilience are shaping the future of Ghana’s agricultural landscape,” she said.
Other award recipients included Aba Tawiah, who received the Change Champion Award, and Margaret Attadzietsey, honoured with the Lady of the Region Export Award. The Feed to Food Award went to Hannah Quainoo, while Gifty Nyantsen was celebrated with the Super Woman Award.
Addy took home the Star Woman Agripreneur Award, and Nana Hemaa Efua Duoduwa received the Royal Agro Award.
Mary Azure was recognized with the Passion for Farm Award, and Eunice Asare was presented with the She Innovates Award. Global Affairs Canada was honoured with the Long-standing Development and Programme Partner Award, and Yara Ghana received the Sustainable Value Growth and Impact Partner Award for their continued support in agricultural development.
In the extension services category, Faustina Amponsah (Crops) and Fidelia Graham (Fisheries) were jointly recognized with the Outstanding Woman in Extension Award. The Diamond in the Rough Award was presented to Charlotte Award, while the Climate Smart Award went to Eunice Tsubuah.
Emmanuel Acquah received the Supportive Agri-Man Award, and the highest honour, the Ultimate Gold in the Soil Award, was awarded to Hannah Aidoo. t
These recognitions reinforce the mission of the WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked champions of Ghana’s agricultural sector, rural women who are leading change, driving innovation, and contributing meaningfully to national food security.
all winners received ,fertilizers ,wellington boots ,knapsack sprayers ,seeds etc. they also had the opportunity to engage in training and mentorship sessions with seasoned trainers from across the agricultural value chain .
Since its inception, WOFAGRIC and the Gold in the Soil Awards have rotated across nine regions in Ghana, including Volta, Ashanti, Western, Western North, Upper East, Upper West, Eastern, Bono, and now Central Region. The initiative has empowered more than 120,000 women through training, mentorship, access to inputs, marketing support, and leadership development.
