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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.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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