Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa (3rd L) and queen mothers in a group photograph at the launch
As part of activities for the seventh edition of the ‘Gathering of the Royals’, the Agrihouse Foundation has introduced the Nana Konadu Legacy Honours and Awards.
The legacy award, which is named after the former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, is designed to celebrate and award a woman who has stood and fought positively for gender advancement in areas such as education, agro-processing, healthcare and the well-being of helpless children and youth, whiles also advocating for meaningful policy interventions and support systems that promote gender equality.
Addressing dignitaries at the laucnch of the Gathering of the Royals, Executive Director of the Foundation, Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa said the award is eligible to female leaders who are 31 years old and above. The leader should have inspired countless women in her home, country, and across the globe in areas such as education, arts, and culture among others.
She further noted that, the event, which will include policy dialogues, will be held on March 12, 2025 at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra.
Ms. Akosa said the Gathering of the Royals, themed, “Seeds of Change: Honouring Leadership, Inspiring Hope, and Strengthening Women to Enhance Our Agrifood Future Innovatively,” will focus on leadership, empowerment, and the critical role of women in shaping the future of agribusiness.
She highlighted how the event has provided an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the leadership of women in agriculture whilst advocating for stronger policies that drive inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Gathering of the Royals, John Osei Frimpong said women remain the backbone of agriculture, and yet, many continue to face barriers that hinder their full participation in the industry.
The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Abirem Constituency and Chairman of the Agric Committee said if the country truly wants to enhance its agri-food future, then there is a need to break these barriers. He called for the equipping of women with knowledge, access, and support systems that allow them to lead confidently and innovate without limitations.
Osei Frimpong also emphasised the crucial role of queen mothers in driving agricultural growth, building sustainable farming systems, and ensuring that agriculture thrives in communities and regions, indicating that the forthcoming event will inform policymakers about better agricultural conditions for women.
Director of Greater Accra Regional Department of Agriculture, Eric Asamani, commended the Agrihouse Foundation for its initiatives in empowering women, especially queen mothers in agriculture.
Over the past six years, the Gathering of the Royals has firmly established itself as a transformative initiative, empowering queen mothers and women in the agriculture value chain.
The platform has facilitated meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts to address key challenges facing women in the agriculture sector, including access to resources, market barriers, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke