Africa can feed herself and empower millions – Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called on world leaders and investors to support Africa’s efforts to achieve food security and empower its people.

Speaking at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, she said Africa has the potential to feed itself, reduce its dependency on food imports, and create opportunities for millions of youth and women across the continent.

According to her, women form more than half of Ghana’s agricultural workforce but still face major challenges, including limited access to credit, land, technology, and training.

“That is why our forthcoming Women’s Development Bank and inclusive government policies are targeting these inequalities. We all know that when women prosper, families and nations flourish” she noted.

The Vice President highlighted the energy and innovation of Ghana’s young people, describing them as ready to lead the next wave of transformation in the agricultural sector.

She quoted Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, saying the fight against hunger is “not a sprint but a relay,” adding that every generation must play its part.

“Ghana is deeply committed to running her leg of this race. but she cannot run it alone” she said.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang therefore called on development partners, governments, foundations, and investors to work together with Ghana and other African nations to build sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Let this generation be defined not by our deficits, but by our resolve,” she pointed.

By: Jacob Aggrey