GNEBCham officially launched to boost trade

The Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham) initiative, initiated by Agrihouse Foundation, has been officially launched to promote trade and agriculture between Ghana and Nebraska, USA.

The initiative aims to foster significant agribusiness development and enhance trade relations between Ghanaians and Nebraskans.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Kweku Ampratwum-Sarpong, lauded the partnership between the Ministry and the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Chamber, noting its potential to expand business opportunities, facilitate knowledge and technology exchange, and promote the export and import of products and services.

He commended Senator Ken Schilz and Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, co-founders and executive directors of the chamber, for their dedication and leadership in strengthening agribusiness opportunities and promoting trade between Ghanaians and Nebraskans.

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the partnership will achieve significant advancements in agribusiness development, benefiting both communities and economies. He highlighted the Ministry's objective to establish strong international partnerships for growth and development, aligning with the government's people-centered foreign policy.

He emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy and the re-establishment of the Economic Trade and Investment Bureau in 2017 to champion Ghana's economic transformation agenda. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of institutions such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Center, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and the Ministry of Trade.

"We hope that this chamber will be recognized globally as a leading chamber, setting the benchmark for others to follow," Hon. Kweku Ampratwum-Sarpong stated.

Hon. Yaw Frimpong-Addo, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, noted that the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Chamber of Commerce is poised to become a leading voice for the advancement of agriculture and a model for strategic partnerships.

Highlighting a trip organized by the chamber to Nebraska last year, he said Nebraska has more of the latest farming models which Ghana needs to enhance modern-day farming. He, therefore, urged all to join the chamber to also have the opportunity to travel to learn and adapt these models in farming.

According to the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation and Co-founder of the GNEBCham, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the chamber seeks to promote agribusiness opportunities, strengthen trade relations, and create sustainable agribusiness opportunities.

She cited that the chamber offers various membership categories, including Platinum, Silver, Government, Entrepreneurship, Student, Beginners of Agribusiness, and SMEs.

Urging individuals in the Agric value chain to join the chamber, she said the initiative has received support from strategic partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Cattle and Livestock Association, and the National Farmers and Award Winners Association.

Senator Ken Schilz, co-founder and executive director of the chamber, noted that the chamber has already received over 100 pledged members, demonstrating the high level of interest in the initiative.

Highlighting the benefits of the chamber, he said the chamber provides opportunities for members to travel and establish relationships between Ghana and Nebraska, advocate for policies that enhance agriculture, networking, and marketing programs, and raise the profile of agriculture in both countries.

He acknowledged the efforts of the board members and partners, including the Agrihouse Foundation, for their dedication and hard work in making the initiative a reality.

The launch ceremony was attended by dignitaries from both Ghana and Nebraska, representing various sectors and industries.