The Volta Africa American Chamber (VAAC), in partnership with the Volta Development Forum, has hosted the second U.S. Farmers Delegation Visit Conference to promote sustainable agriculture and agribusiness growth in the Volta and Oti Regions and across Africa.
The event brought together local farmers, agricultural experts, and stakeholders.
The goal was to introduce participants to modern, efficient farming techniques and to encourage innovation that can position the Volta Region as a sub-Saharan agricultural hub.
Mr. Daniel Kodjo Agboka-Dzegede, Executive Director of VAAC, emphasised the urgent need for agricultural transformation considering Africa’s rapidly growing population, expected to double in less than a decade.
“More mouths to feed mean more responsibility. Agriculture must evolve beyond manual labor—it’s now a science, a business, and a technology-driven sector,” he said.
He highlighted tools such as GPS-equipped tractors, drones, AI-powered crop scheduling, and smart irrigation systems as examples of how modern agriculture can be both productive and sustainable.
Mr. Agboka-Dzegede noted that Ghana graduates approximately 110,000 students annually, many of whom face unemployment.
He urged the youth to see agriculture as a viable and profitable career path—not only in farming but across the agribusiness value chain, including processing, packaging, logistics, marketing, and exports.
“With the right support, agriculture can employ millions and transform lives. The government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative presents a perfect opportunity to power this dream,” he said.
He called on traditional leaders, farmers, youth, and international partners to unite in building a resilient agricultural future: “Let us build to feed, and feed to succeed.”
Mr. Charles Nornoo, Agricultural Consultant at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, described the initiative as a holistic program designed to revamp Ghana’s economy through targeted support for productive sectors like agriculture.
He introduced the Grow 24 sub-program, which clusters farmers for maximum efficiency and provides access to low-cost funding between seven and 12 per cent for farm operations, asset acquisition, and working capital.
“We’re not offering subsidies or grants, but structured support to make cluster farms self-sufficient. We are working closely with cooperatives, trade associations, and anchor farmers to boost productivity,” he said.
Mr. Jay Reiners, Co-founder of Sustainable Agriculture Solutions for Africa, commended Ghana’s leadership in agriculture, praising the government’s commitment to the 24-Hour Economy initiative.
“Volta can become a standout region in West Africa—not just for maize and soya, but for vegetables, fruits, poultry, cattle, and fish. This government is doing the right thing, and it should be a model for the rest of Africa,” he stated.
Dr. Chris Sokpor, Senior Partner at Deon and Noed International (DNI), a tax and advisory firm, emphasised the importance of proper documentation in attracting funding for agribusiness ventures.
“Without detailed business plans and visibility studies, investors won’t come. We’re here to support farmers and entrepreneurs to package their vision effectively,” he said.
He acknowledged that consultancy services are often perceived as expensive, discouraging many agribusiness entrepreneurs.
However, he assured stakeholders that DNI has strategically positioned itself in the Volta Region to offer affordable and professional support.
“There’s funding available, but it won’t come to you without preparation. You need a strong strategy and a compelling story. That’s where we come in,” he concluded.
The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of local and international stakeholders to transform Ghana’s agriculture sector into a vibrant, sustainable, and youth-driven industry.
SOURCE: Access Agric
