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GEXIM CEO calls for accelerated empowerment of women in Agribusiness for Africa’s economic growth
The Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM), Sylvester Mensah has urged African governments and all relevant stakeholders within the agricultural sector across the continent to prioritize empowering women within the agricultural value chain.
Mr. Mensah encouraged policy makers to focus on setting and establishing various policies and procedures that will create an enabling environment to accelerate capacity building for women within the agriculture sector to contribute effectively to the continent’s economic growth.
The accomplished finance professional made the call in commemoration of this year’s edition of the annual International Women’s Day celebrated around the world on March 8.
The 2025 edition is themed #AccelerateAction, to emphasize the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve full gender equality.
The World Bank Group (WBG) reported that agriculture contributes between thirty (30) to forty (40) percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in sub-Saharan Africa, and employs over two-thirds of the population, with farmers producing up to eighty percent (80%) of the continent’s food and raw materials.
Despite this critical importance, Africa’s agricultural production continues to fall behind compared to the rest of the world. Most farmers often grapple with unending challenges ranging from limited farm resources, limited access to finance, low productivity, limited market access, to environmental pressures.
According to Mr.Mensah, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) estimates Africa’s population to grow by over two billion by the year 2025, which makes it very important to boost agriculture and agribusiness immediately.
He highlighted the urgent need to support the industry, which is highly populated by women with the right tools, resources and knowledge.
‘’Women and youth make essential contributions to the agricultural and rural economies in all developing countries in Africa. Generally, women are the ones responsible for producing food; from planting and harvesting crops, tending livestock and other activities on the farm, including providing household income and providing care for family members. Although women play a crucial role in agriculture, their efforts are not given the recognition they deserve, usually underpaid and undervalued,”he enumerated.
Women face enormous obstacles due to several factors from the realization of their work due to the existing gender power relations, limited access to resources, technology, finance, and market. Therefore, failure to invest in women in agriculture and agro-processing can possibly contribute to food insecurity.
Hon Mensah advocated for the bridging of gaps in agriculture and agro-processing for women by creating equitable opportunities for women.
“To address gender inequalities in agriculture as well as access to financial services and funding, we might have to introduce initiatives for skill development, capacity building, peer-to-peer learning, policy advocacy, and financing solutions to help women thrive in the agribusiness ecosystem. In addition, there should be other bold steps in tackling other pressing issues facing women in agriculture including innovation, technology trends as well as market insights and information”, he emphasized.
In his conclusion, Hon. Mensah indicated that it is certainly an opportune time for women in agriculture to receive support from all relevant players to set the stage for unprecedented opportunities African women in agribusiness can leverage on.
“Additionally, there should be continued effort in championing women to drive economic activities in agribusiness”, he added.
He believes this is very important especially in Ghana towards the implementation of the Affirmative Act Law.
He pledged the commitment of GEXIM to investment for employment of women, prioritizing capacity building and funding for women to achieve their full potential.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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