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Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana holds consultative dialogue in Accra
The Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana on Wednesday held a consultative dialogue in Accra aimed at developing an effective action plan to address the challenges of the soya sector.
Held under the theme: “A National Soya Strategy Plan for Ghana’s Economy: Influencing Policy for a Soya –Business Agenda ” it was organised by the Association in collaboration with GIZ under the Sustainable Employment Agribusiness Programme (AgriBiz)
The event emphasised the significance of fostering collaboration with government agencies, development partners, farmers and similar stakeholders to enhance profitability and make a positive contribution to the overall economic growth of Ghana and guarantee food security.
In an interview the Ghanaian Times, Mr. Thomas W. Bello, Chairman, Soya Value Chain Association of Ghana, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive national strategy plan to establish a clear roadmap for the long-term growth of the country’s soy industry.
He said the association had hosted a consultative meeting last year which revolved around the theme “Laying the foundations for sustainability after 2024” to streamline the soya sub-sector.
Mr. Bello said the objective was to gather input and insights regarding the proposed ban on the exportation of soya from Ghana.
He said a position paper was formulated during a soybean roundtable in 2022 that urged the government to establish a national strategy plan and reassess the composition of the export control committee, among other recommendations.
It subsequently petitioned parliament, urging a review of the legislation that governs the selection process for members of the export control committee.
He said the move aimed at contributing to the economic growth of Ghana.
“If the country looks at soya as a cash crop, it could generate income up to the level of cocoa or even more,” he said.
“And so, this is a very great potential revenue earner for the country.”
Mr. Afrifa noted that the lack of proper coordination among industry actors such as development partners, government agencies, and the private sector within the soy value chain was leading to a limited impact on the overall sector.
“We’re here to look at a national strategy plan for soya; this is because everybody is trying to do something here, something there, and we are not getting the impact.”
If Ghana considered soya a lucrative agricultural product, he said, it had the potential to generate income comparable to, or even surpassing, that of cocoa.
He urged policymakers to capitalise on this significant opportunity to generate substantial revenue and reap the numerous benefits of the growing global demand for soy.
He also urged both the government and farmers to recognise the immense potential of cultivating soybeans to diversify Ghana’s economy and increase export earnings.
However, Mr. Dominic Ayine, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and chairman of the subsidiary legislation committee of parliament, advised that the process should begin from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which is holding jurisdiction over it.
The consultative meeting called for establishment of a formal collaboration with stakeholder organisations like the Alliance for the Green Revolution in Africa, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
