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The Business and Financial Times (B&FT) has joined forces with Agrihouse Foundation for the 7th edition of the Gathering of the Royals, reinforcing its commitment to advancing agribusiness in Ghana.
The event, scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Accra, will be held under the theme: “Honouring Leadership, Inspiring Hope, and Delivering Agri-Jobs Through the Royals in AgriBooster Dignified Community-Level Network Initiative.”
In a statement, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, Chief Executive Officer of Business and Financial Times, noted that B&FT’s strategic collaboration with Agrihouse aligns with its broader vision of promoting investment, innovation, and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
“Agribusiness remains a fundamental pillar of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, food security, and GDP growth.
However, the sector continues to face challenges, including limited access to finance, evolving market demands, and the need for innovative solutions.
At Business and Financial Times, we recognize the importance of platforms like the Gathering of the Royals in fostering dialogue, policy advocacy, and practical interventions that support agribusiness development,” Dr. Acquaye stated.
He further highlighted the impact of B&FT in driving agribusiness growth through its dedicated agriculture and agribusiness coverage, policy discussions, and investor engagement efforts.
“Our partnership with Agrihouse Foundation for this initiative is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting Ghana’s agricultural value chain.
Over the years, B&FT has played a vital role in providing insights, trends, and expert analysis that influence policy formulation and investment decisions in the agribusiness sector.
B y collaborating on this initiative, we seek to amplify the voices of key stakeholders traditional leaders, policymakers, agripreneurs, and financial institutions who are shaping the future of Ghana’s agriculture industry.”
Dr. Acquaye reiterated that the Gathering of the Royals will serve as a platform to drive critical conversations on access to finance, agritech adoption, and sustainable farming practices while fostering stronger partnerships between agribusiness stakeholders and financial institutions.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the partnership, acknowledging the influential role B&FT plays in shaping agribusiness discourse in Ghana.
“We are honored to have Business and Financial Times as a strategic partner for this year’s Gathering of the Royals. Their commitment to promoting agribusiness aligns perfectly with the objectives of this initiative. It is through strategic partnerships like this one with B&FT that we can continue to make meaningful strides in empowering agribusinesses, especially at the grassroots level,” Ms. Akosa added.
She further emphasized B&FT’s unwavering support for Agrihouse Foundation’s projects and initiatives over the years, noting how the publication has consistently provided a platform to amplify Agrihouse’s vision and advocacy efforts.
“For years, B&FT has been a champion of our agribusiness-centered initiatives, consistently highlighting our projects, reporting on our impact, and supporting our mission to drive positive change in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Their commitment to media coverage, policy engagement, and stakeholder collaboration has significantly contributed to the success of initiatives like the Gathering of the Royals, the Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference, the Gold in the Soil Awards, and our various community-driven programs. Through their dedication, they have helped shape the national discourse on agribusiness, ensuring that key agricultural issues remain a priority in policy and investment circles.”
The Gathering of the Royals has, over the past six years, firmly established itself as a transformative platform that empowers Queen Mothers and women across the agricultural value chain. The initiative has directly impacted more than 3,700 individuals, including 2,300 Queen Mothers and over 1,400 stakeholders, policymakers, and students involved in the agricultural value chain. It has also fostered meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts to address key issues such as access to resources, market barriers, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Through strategic partnerships with public sector stakeholders, corporate bodies, and financial institutions, the initiative has influenced policy directions and facilitated impactful support systems for Queen Mothers and their respective communities.
This year, the Royal Panel Dialogue will be led by eight Queen Mothers representing the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Upper West, Upper East, Oti, Bono, and Western Regions. The discussions will focus on empowering women in agribusiness, strengthening the role of Queen Mothers in revolutionizing farming practices, providing financial and technical support for women farmers, and enhancing agripreneurship opportunities for women in rural communities.
Beyond discussions and policy advocacy, the Gathering of the Royals has delivered tangible benefits to farmers and women in agribusiness. The initiative has also enabled Queen Mothers in their various communities to scale up agri-focused projects and social interventions they are championing in their respective districts and communities.
A key feature of this year’s event is the introduction of the Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings Legacy Honours, an award dedicated to celebrating exceptional women who have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and impact in agriculture, governance, education, and community development. Named in honor of the former First Lady, a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, the award will recognize women whose relentless efforts continue to drive change in their communities and regions.
As stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain come together on March 12, 2025, this initiative will not only inspire change but also set the stage for long-term economic transformation driven by women-led agribusinesses.
