Agribusiness advocate, intervener, initiator and the Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has been decorated as the first ever African to be named South America’s Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador. The ceremony took place in the State of Pará, the second-largest state in Brazil. This prestigious honor is a testament to Alberta’s unwavering commitment, profound impact and dedicated service to agriculture in Ghana.
The Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador Award recognizes exceptional women in agriculture who have made significant contributions to the sector. Since its inception, this award has honored female leaders who exhibit excellence, innovation and leadership.
It celebrates the pivotal role women play in advancing agricultural practices, driving economic growth and promoting sustainable development within their communities and beyond.
As the Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa will play a crucial role in strengthening agribusiness trade between Ghana and Brazil. Her focus will be on facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations and creating opportunities for mutual growth and development.
Alberta will also help promote and strengthen the work of women in agriculture in Ghana alongside Rally Mulheres do Agro through practical actions and communication via events.
This partnership aims to empower and mobilize many women in agriculture, providing them with visibility and support, enhanced women farmers with skills and knowledge and technological innovations in agriculture.
Speaking at the event, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, expressed her profound gratitude to the Rally Mulheres do Agro. She stated that this recognition for our work in agriculture in Ghana and beyond has prompted deep reflection on her journey in the agricultural field, from humble beginnings to this significant moment.
“Being recognized thousands of miles from my birth and home country and having flown over 1000’s miles to Pará to receive this honorary title as South America’s Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador makes me believe there is still hope and light at the end of the tunnel and rekindles my hope for the future of agriculture.” Reflecting on the honor, it is humbling to be acknowledged by those who see the impact of our work on youth, women, farmers with disabilities, smallholders, commercial farmers, and value chain players’’
“This recognition is not just for me, but for all women who dare to dream. It is for every woman who persists with passion and determination, who understands and nurtures her inner potential.
It is for every woman who faces battles, challenges, and difficulties—both internal and external—yet continues to press on.
she also acknowledged the Former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings for being a pioneer for women empowerment and for setting the pace for women like herself to follow.
‘’This is also for every woman who falls and rises again, who embodies the spirit of resilience. You are Ko-Na-Du—keep on fighting, keep on challenging yourself. You are a success; keep going! To every woman who questions her purpose and path, keep up and keep on. In due time, your passion, energy, and efforts will find their true meaning.
The right time has come for us to have a global platform where women gather annually to enlighten, shape our growth, trade, network, and redefine our pathways of hope, growth, and advancement,” she added.
“As the Global Agricultural Ambassador, I am now entrusted with the responsibility to use my voice to advocate for women from other African communities, highlighting the importance of growing agriculture with a global mindset and approach. We will strive to ensure strong African representation and participation in this event annually’’.
I however encourage Brazilian Embassies and missions across Africa to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in facilitating global trade. Support more women from African regions to participate in future events, as we work together towards a brighter future for agriculture worldwide.”
Marcelo Souza, the Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Manancial and chief editor of Revista Agrícola and Mulheres do Agro magazines, expressed confidence in Alberta’s appointment. He believes that Alberta’s work will inspire millions of women in Brazil, Ghana, and beyond, and that her role as the first international ambassador will pave the way for greater collaboration and empowerment in the agricultural sector.
“Alberta’s admiration, to empowering women in agriculture is exemplary. Her leadership and advocacy have already made significant impacts in Ghana, and we are excited to see how her influence will expand through her role as our ambassador. This appointment is a testament to her unwavering commitment and the transformative power of her work,” Marcelo stated.
Her appointment as the South American Global Agricultural Ambassador marks a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality and empowerment in agriculture. Her leadership and vision will undoubtedly inspire and drive positive change across the agricultural landscapes of both continents. He concluded.
The two-day event brought together women farmers and agribusiness professionals from different continents to share insights and experiences. On the second day, attendees participated in an innovative field tour, driving Toyota pickup trucks to visit a farm managed by a 24-year-old woman cultivating 260,000 acres of soybeans, as well as crops of sugarcane and millet. The tour also included a visit to a passion fruit farm and a fish pond site.
Adding her voice, Mairis Decidido, President of Fundadora do Agro e Elas in the State of Pará, expressed her excitement about the program and the valuable connections and partnerships formed.
“We hope that the relationships established between Ghana, Brazil, and South America will be strengthened through this collaboration. It is my hope that, in the coming years, we will visit Ghana to share their experiences and explore ways to work together to advance the role of women in farming through innovative approaches and scaling up the agriculture sector.”
She also expressed enthusiasm for working with Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa and Agrihouse Foundation to further enhance the global network of women in agriculture. “We are excited about this partnership and are optimistic that, in the future, more Africans will be part of this global community,” she added.
H.E. Ambassador Abena P.A. Busia, Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil extended a warm invitation to Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa in her residence following her recognition as South America’s Rally Mulheres do Agro Ambassador. H.E. Busia expressed admiration for Alberta’s dedication and achievements in agribusiness, highlighting the significance of her recognition in Brazil. She noted that such an honor underscores Alberta’s excellence and the impact of her work.
Ambassador Busia conveyed her pride in Alberta’s transformative initiatives in Ghanaian agriculture, emphasizing the positive changes and empowerment she brings to women and youth and looking forward to future collaborations, aiming to strengthen agribusiness ties between Ghana and Brazil.
Alberta expressed her gratitude, noting, “I am humbled and happy to Her Excellency, Abena Busia, Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil and with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Ghana.” She also passionately encouraging more women to engage in agriculture, advocating for increased participation and robust support from various stakeholders and believes women can drive significant growth and innovation in agribusiness. Her advocacy is a clarion call for enhanced educational opportunities, mentorship and access to markets, empowering women to lead and thrive in the agricultural landscape
Alberta’s Rally Mulheres do Agro ambassadorship will give wide visibility to her excellent work in Ghana. This partnership aims to create support networks and partnerships with African women who need support, spotlight and recognition for their contributions to agriculture.
And also help create a platform for agribusinesses in both countries to collaborate, innovate and expand their markets, contributing to the growth and diversification of agribusinesses. Efforts will include organizing women farmers’ trade missions, promoting agricultural investment opportunities and sharing technological advancements in farming.
