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At the age of 60, Obaapanin Konadu Kontie II, oversees a team of four permanent workers and collaborates with six laborers, harnessing their combined efforts to ensure the success of her diverse farming operations. Since she began her farming journey in 2002, she has encountered numerous challenges, including the need for financial support, spraying machines, fertilizers, and reliable wellington boots.
Despite these hurdles, her perseverance and hard work have borne fruit. Through her farming endeavours, she has not only built a home for herself but has also extended her philanthropic efforts to educate girls in the community. As a Queen Mother, she recognizes the significance of education in empowering young women and believes in providing opportunities for their advancement.
Expressing her hopes for recognition by winning the Royal Agro Award, Konadu Kontie II explains, “Receiving this honour will serve as a motivation for the youth in my community to work diligently. It will also enable me to support and empower more individuals within our community. As a Queen Mother, I believe that through agriculture, we can uplift our community and ensure food security.”
In addition to her accomplishments, Konadu Kontie II passionately advocates for youth involvement in agriculture while discouraging illegal mining activities known as “galamsey.” She emphasizes that agriculture is a viable and sustainable means of livelihood that not only provides food security but also creates opportunities for economic growth.
Agrihouse Foundation’s Production Team are presently traveling across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region, their mission is to document the remarkable achievements of 62 shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region, for the upcoming 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards, an annual rotational Regional intervention organized by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, captured the story of Obaapanin Konadu Kontie II.
The Queen Mother extends her heartfelt gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation and its partners for their invaluable support in empowering farmers and fostering agricultural development. Their collaboration has played a significant role in bringing about positive change within her community.
Konadu Kontie II’s commitment to farming and community upliftment stands as a shining example for all. Her perseverance, dedication, and efforts to educate and empower others demonstrate the transformative impact that agriculture can have on individuals and communities.
As she continues her journey, Konadu Kontie II hopes that her story will inspire the youth to embrace agriculture and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities, while preserving the environment for future generations.
Travelling from district to district, Agrihouse Production Team seeks to capture stories of resilience, innovation, and success, showcasing the immense talent and achievement and hard work of these women farmers in the Eastern Region.
Their efforts aims to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities, who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural sector that recognizes the vital role of women in shaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada has for the past five years shown a continued commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s production team in our quest to recognize, honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability, other partners for this year’s 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil awards also includes Yara Ghana and RDF Ghana LBG and World Food Program.
The 5th WOFAGRIC and Gold in the Soil Awards is scheduled for July 26-27 at the Bedtime Hotel in Koforidua in the Eastern Region under the theme “OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO WOMEN AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS,” promise to be a momentous occasion. These events will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, and women farmers and farmers with disability to award and celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
ABOUT WOFAGRIC AND GOLD IN THE SOIL AWARDS: Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that strengthens and promotes a paradigm shift in celebrating women farmers, processors, marketers, and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts of women in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, technology, and input dealers. Every year, the event moves from region to region, searching for these extraordinary women who play a significant role in putting food on our tables. Regardless of their abilities, they are thriving to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.
BY:AGRIWATCH REPORTER
