The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber, in collaboration with the Department of Agribusiness at the University of Ghana, held an engaging mentorship and inspiration-driven session aimed at equipping agribusiness students with global insights, career guidance, and educational opportunities.
The event, held at the Legon campus, welcomed a distinguished delegation from Nebraska, USA, representing education, politics, agribusiness, and marketing. Themed “Educational Opportunities in Nebraska and Career Path Development in Agribusiness,” the session was designed to prepare students for the evolving dynamics of the global agricultural economy.
In her opening remarks, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation and Co-founder of the Ghana-Nebraska Chamber, urged students to embrace agriculture with a transformational mindset. She stressed the importance of inclusivity and innovation, particularly the growing role of women in shaping the future of agribusiness.
“Opportunities abound in project management, farm input systems, machinery, and value addition. We must explore and own these spaces,” Akosa noted, encouraging students, particularly young women to step confidently into leadership roles across the agricultural value chain.
As a leading voice in agribusiness development in Ghana, Alberta’s work through Agrihouse Foundation continues to inspire a new generation of agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs. Her message to the students was not just motivational; it was a call to action.
The session also featured Ken Schilz, former Nebraska State Senator and Co-founder of the Ghana-Nebraska Chamber, who shared his journey from growing up on a family farm to serving in public office. He encouraged students to remain open to new possibilities.
“Always be ready for opportunities. You never know where you’ll end up, so don’t shut doors before you walk through them,” Schilz advised, while highlighting career prospects in Nebraska’s robust agriculture industry, including food processing, livestock management, veterinary services, and agritech.
Jess Goldon, a top-ranked marketing executive and mentor recognized by Inc. 5000, brought a digital and entrepreneurial perspective to the discussion. She urged students to think beyond traditional boundaries and embrace technology.
“You can launch a business from your phone. Use AI for more than just writing, it’s a tool for self-discovery,” she said, encouraging exploration in digital marketing, e-commerce, and the innovative possibilities technology offers to modern agriculture.
Former Nebraska State Senator, lawyer, and entrepreneur Justin Wayne inspired students with a powerful testimony about the transformative power of education.
“The world once saw me differently from how I saw myself. But education changed everything,” he said, emphasizing the importance of branding, self-awareness, and innovation in tackling global challenges such as food and water scarcity.
Dr. Osei Asare, Head of the Agribusiness and Economics Department at the University of Ghana, described the session as a pivotal moment for students, urging them to reflect deeply on the knowledge shared and apply it to their personal and professional growth.
“This meeting is a roadmap, not just a lecture. Absorb, reflect, and act on the ideas shared today.”
The session left a lasting impression on participants, underscoring that agribusiness is far more than farming, it is a vibrant, evolving sector filled with opportunities in leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, and global trade.
Alberta Akosa and Nebraska Delegation Inspire Future Agri-leaders at Legon
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation and Co-founder of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber, has challenged agribusiness students at the University of Ghana to embrace a transformational mindset and seize the abundant opportunities within the sector.
Speaking at a mentorship and career development session at the Legon campus, themed “Educational Opportunities in Nebraska and Career Path Development in Agribusiness,” Alberta stressed that agriculture is evolving into a dynamic space that demands leadership, inclusivity, and innovation.
“Opportunities abound in project management, farm input systems, machinery, and value addition. We must explore and own these spaces,” she said, urging young women in particular to step confidently into leadership roles across the agricultural value chain.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Department of Agribusiness at the University of Ghana, featured a distinguished Nebraska delegation from education, politics, agribusiness, and marketing.
Ken Schilz, former Nebraska State Senator and Co-founder of the Ghana-Nebraska Chamber, shared his personal journey from growing up on a family farm to serving in public office. “Always be ready for opportunities. You never know where you’ll end up, so don’t shut doors before you walk through them,” he told students, highlighting career prospects in Nebraska’s agriculture industry, including livestock management, agritech, and food processing.
Jess Goldon, a top-ranked marketing executive and mentor recognized by Inc. 5000, urged students to embrace digital tools and technology to transform agriculture. “You can launch a business from your phone. Use AI for more than just writing, it’s a tool for self-discovery,” she said, encouraging exploration of e-commerce, digital marketing, and online agribusiness ventures.
Former Nebraska State Senator, lawyer, and entrepreneur Justin Wayne delivered an inspiring testimony on the life-changing power of education. “The world once saw me differently from how I saw myself. But education changed everything,” he said, emphasizing branding, self-awareness, and innovation in solving global challenges like food and water scarcity.
Dr. Osei Asare, Head of the Agribusiness and Economics Department at the University of Ghana, described the session as a pivotal moment for students. “This meeting is a roadmap, not just a lecture. Absorb, reflect, and act on the ideas shared today,” he urged.
The mentorship session left a lasting impression, underscoring that agribusiness is far more than farming, it is a vibrant, future-focused sector offering leadership, technological, entrepreneurial, and global trade opportunities.
