Agrihouse Foundation has successfully hosted the second edition of the Ghana Agrochemicals and Crop Protection Exhibitions and Awards (GACA) at the Techiman Community Center.
The two-day event, held under the theme “Sustaining the Climate and the Environment: The Role of Input Dealers,” aims to provide industry players in the agricultural sector with a platform to explore cutting-edge technologies and modern farming practices that enhance productivity and sustainability in Ghana.
The program was chaired by the Techiman Sansamahene, Nana Afena Yeboah Afari, on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Techiman, Nana Oseadeɛyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV. It was graced by the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, representatives of the Techiman Traditional Council, officials from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate, Agricultural Extension Agents in the Bono East Region, agrochemical companies, farmers, and members of the media.on of the media.
The exhibition featured displays and demonstrations by leading agrochemical companies, providing farmers with insights into the latest crop protection technologies and best practices for safe and effective application of these products.
Addressing the media, the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, commended the Agrihouse Foundation for its significant contributions to the development of Ghana’s agricultural sector. He expressed gratitude for their commitment and urged other organizations to follow their example.
“This is a very beneficial program that will greatly help the Bono East region. We have seen a significant number of farmers and input dealers here, which will enable farmers to connect with input suppliers more quickly and at affordable prices.
“Moreover, farmers are receiving education on the proper application of weedicides and pesticides to prevent any negative effects.” He stated.
Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi also urged farmers to practice proper agrochemical application to maximize productivity while safeguarding the environment.
“If farmers apply the knowledge gained from this program, I am confident they will achieve a bumper harvest, ultimately contributing to national food security.
“I advise our farmers to use the right fertilizers on their crops and ensure proper disposal of fertilizer, weedicide, and pesticide containers to protect the environment from any harmful effects,” said Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi.” He said.
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, explained that the goal of the two-day program is to facilitate a strong relationship between farmers and input dealers within their localities.
“We have been working with farmers for some time, and a common challenge we face is that after every training session, they tell us they cannot sustain the practices we have taught them due to difficulties in accessing farm inputs.
“Since our goal is to introduce interventions that promote the agricultural sector, we decided to launch a preseason event to educate farmers on best practices they should adopt before the farming season begins.” She said.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa further disclosed that, her outfit aims to use the event to educate the youth about the agriculture value chain and seeks to generate employment opportunities for them.
“As part of this event, we bring input dealers and farmers together to educate them on where to source farm inputs and how to apply them effectively.
“Additionally, we aim to use the preseason event to create opportunities for young people to learn more about the agricultural value chain and, ultimately, generate employment for them,” said Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Chief Executive Officer of Agrihouse Foundation.
