A high-powered delegation of farmers from the United States of America has visited Ghana to promote collaboration in the agricultural production sector.
Jay Reiners, Secretary/Treasurer of the United States Grains Council and former Chairman of the Nebraska Corn, Soybean, and Sorghum Council, arrived in Ghana alongside Brandon Hunnicutt, a fifth-generation farmer from Giltner, Nebraska. Mr. Hunnicutt is a former Chair of the Nebraska Corn Board and a member of the National Corn Growers Association Board.
The visit was organised under the auspices of the Volta Africa American Chamber (VAAC), a cross-continental development-oriented organisation. The delegation began their week-long schedule with a visit to rice farmers in Sokakope and Adidome, key rice-growing areas in the Volta Region.
They met with members of the Department of Agriculture and Engineering at Ho Technical University and university management to explore areas of collaboration, including exchange programmes for students and staff. A similar engagement was held with the management of Evangelical Presbyterian University.
The team also conducted a field trip to farms in and around the Volta Regional capital, sharing best practices in corn production through practical demonstrations. This was followed by a meeting with farmers and agricultural professionals across the region to discuss ways to commercialise farming in Africa.
The US executives shared farming perspectives from the West while advocating for the mechanisation of agriculture in Ghana.
Emphasising the importance of food security, the meeting also addressed the “serious” gaps in agricultural sustainability. Discussions highlighted the need to make farming and agriculture more attractive to the younger generation, particularly students.
The delegation then proceeded to the nation’s capital to meet with Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness.
According to Mr. Daniel Agboka Dzegede, Founder and President of the Volta Africa American Chamber, who led the delegation, the engagement aimed to explore how best to collaborate with the government to identify seeds that could produce better yields for sustainable farming.
“Dr. Otokunor was pleased and said it aligned with the government’s agenda, adding that agriculture was the number one priority for President Mahama,” Mr. Dzegede said.
Mr. Dzegede also mentioned that the meeting at the Presidency discussed potential collaborations with various agencies and ministries.
The group proceeded to meet with the National Service Secretariat, where, according to Mr. Dzegede, a “very fruitful” conversation also took place. Ghana’s National Service has launched a pioneering farming initiative, cultivating more than 5,000 acres of land. The Scheme directors welcomed the US collaboration.
Incorporating agriculture into the education of graduates and the youth was a key point of discussion, with the US delegation expressing their willingness to support in this area.
Directors from the National Service Secretariat spoke about the progress in corn production, which is the primary focus of the initiative. They noted that the project already supplies the nation’s poultry industry, thereby enhancing the Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
The US team praised the National Service for prioritising agriculture and acknowledged the “seriousness” with which this vision was being pursued.
“They said they were eager to collaborate with the NSS to boost the farming initiative and make it more attractive to the youth,” Mr. Dzegede told the press.
Discussing the potential for the nation, the President of the Volta Africa American Chamber explained that the visit underscored the commitment to fostering international partnerships, sharing expertise, and addressing global food security challenges.
“By engaging directly with Ghana’s farming communities, the delegation aims to support the adoption of innovative technologies, improve crop yields, and enhance environmental stewardship. This initiative highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in advancing agricultural development, empowering farmers, and building resilient food systems for a sustainable future.
“VAAC wants Ghana and the Volta Region to become the leading producers of cereals in Africa. We hope to foster collaboration between farmers in the US and Ghana through exchange programmes and scholarships for students. We also envision sending farming volunteers from the US to support this initiative,” he said.
Mr. Dzegede also revealed that discussions were underway to facilitate the export of truck drivers and other professionals to the US.
Through collaboration with the Volta Development Forum, a pro-development organisation for the Volta Region, which he leads as Executive Director, a soil testing laboratory will be established for the Volta and Oti Regions. Mr. Dzegede explained that such facilities were unavailable in the region, significantly affecting farming output.
The Volta Africa American Chamber, founded in 2024, has a broad vision, as outlined by its Founder:
“Our vision is to promote the Volta Region to the world and highlight its prospects. We aim to bring in experts to share knowledge and technology and collaborate with agencies and institutions to build the capacity of our youth, entrepreneurs, and others for the economic development of Ghana.
“We seek to organise conferences and seminars to share ideas and opportunities, while securing exchange programmes for students to learn abroad and return to develop our region. We will showcase local opportunities and train the youth in collaboration with universities and government agencies.
“This organisation is for Voltarians, Ghanaians, and Americans who wish to belong to a chamber so that, together, we can achieve success.”
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