Eighteen outstanding individuals whose dedication, innovation and leadership continue to shape Ghana’s agricultural landscape were honoured at the 2026 Gold in the Soil Awards, organized by Agrihouse Foundation with support from Global Affairs Canada.
Held on July 23 as part of the 8th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC), the awards celebrated women and advocates who have distinguished themselves across the agricultural value chain, from farming and agribusiness to climate-smart agriculture, agricultural extension, mechanization and community leadership.
For nearly a decade, the Gold in the Soil Awards have become one of Ghana’s most respected platforms for recognizing women whose contributions to food production and rural development often go unnoticed despite their immense impact on local economies and national food security.
Bawa Damata emerges Ultimate Gold in the Soil Award Winner
The night’s highest honour, the Gold in the Soil Award, was presented to Bawa Damata, a physically challenged farmer whose resilience, determination and contribution to agriculture earned her the coveted title.
Her recognition served as one of the most inspiring moments of the ceremony, reinforcing the message that disability is not a barrier to agricultural excellence.
As the overall winner, Bawa Damata received a brand-new tricycle, fertilizers and other agricultural input products to support the expansion of her farming enterprise.
Her story drew admiration from participants, policymakers and development partners, symbolizing the resilience of thousands of rural women who continue to feed communities despite numerous production challenges.
Celebrating excellence across the agricultural value chain
This year’s awards reflected the diversity of talent and leadership within Ghana’s agricultural sector by recognizing excellence in multiple categories that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, climate resilience and community impact.
The winners included:
- Passion for Farm Award:Adams Safia
- Princess Carla Award:Benkrowarche Hawa Haruna
- Royal Agro Award:Hajia Azara Bukari Kansawurche (Dr.)
- She-Operates Award:Mary Badu
- Supportive Agri-Man Award:Emmanuel Korankye
- Super Woman Farmer Award:Wuma Naa
- Star Woman Agripreneur Award:Yakubu Memuna
- Agri-Input Sales Award:Abonjuah Zinatu Wandaga
- Change Champion Award:Rafiatu Iddisah
- Climate Smart Award:Salamatu Sankara
- She-Innovates Award:Stephen Abibata
- Diamond in the Rough Award:Ayi Yakubu
- Feed to Foods Award:Sanatu Zuberu
- Lady of the Region Award:Salifu Jamila
- Outstanding Woman in Extension Services Award:Justina Blessing Asagtimbey
- Development Partners Award:Canada
- Gold in the Soil Award:Bawa Damata
Each award category highlighted a different dimension of agricultural leadership, acknowledging individuals who are driving productivity, promoting innovation, supporting farmers, creating employment and strengthening food systems within their communities.
The initiative seeks to elevate the profile of women farmers whose efforts often remain invisible despite their enormous contributions to Ghana’s agricultural economy. It also aims to inspire younger generations, encourage women’s participation across the agricultural value chain and demonstrate that agriculture offers opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship and economic transformation.
The awards formed part of the broader Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC), which brought together more than 500 women farmers, young agripreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, development partners and private-sector actors for two days of practical training, mentorship and networking.
With continued support from Global Affairs Canada, Agrihouse Foundation says it remains committed to empowering rural women farmers, women with disabilities and young agripreneurs through skills development, leadership training, market access and national recognition.
As the 2026 edition concluded in Damongo, the message from this year’s Gold in the Soil Awards was unmistakable: the future of Ghana’s agriculture depends not only on recognizing the women who feed the nation, but also on investing in their growth, innovation and leadership.
For many of the winners, the awards represent more than trophies, they are a testament to years of perseverance, hard work and an unwavering commitment to building resilient farming enterprises and stronger rural communities.