Queen Mothers call for govt support to boost year-round farming at Agribusiness Summit

Queen mothers engaged in agriculture and agribusiness across Ghana have called on the government to provide critical support including improved seeds, agrochemicals, irrigation systems, and modern farming technologies to enable all-season farming and reduce food imports.

The appeal was made at the 8th edition of the Gatherings of the Royals, held under the theme “Seeds of Change: From Leadership to Legacy – Women Transforming the Agrifood Systems,” organized by the Agrihouse Foundation.

Speaking during a panel discussion, Nana Ama Panin Afriyie, a tomato, cashew, and poultry farmer, stressed that with adequate government support, Ghana could significantly cut down on tomato imports from neighboring countries.

“If we are able to get support such as seed capital, tomato seeds, agrochemicals, pumping machines, and irrigation systems, it will go a long way in helping us farm all year round,” she said. She added that such interventions would eliminate the need to import tomatoes from countries like Burkina Faso.

Also addressing participants, Queen Tituyaka Azara Nakwabi Wurinchi from the Kusawgu-Yapei Traditional Area in the Savannah Region highlighted land disputes as a major challenge facing women in agriculture. She noted that although women in her area are hardworking, access to land remains a persistent obstacle.

She revealed that steps are being taken to engage traditional authorities to resolve these issues and expressed optimism about improvements. She further encouraged young people to venture into agribusiness, describing it as a viable pathway to financial independence.

Founder and Executive Director of the Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, explained that the initiative seeks to bring queen mothers together to share experiences, highlight challenges, and develop strategies to support women in agriculture while inspiring the next generation.

She disclosed that a communiqué capturing key concerns and recommendations from the event will be submitted to Parliament’s Select Committee on Agriculture for consideration.

Delivering remarks as Chief Patron, Korle Klottey Member of Parliament, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, underscored the importance of agriculture—particularly poultry farming—as a pathway to economic independence.

She raised concerns about land fragmentation, noting that difficulties in accessing large, contiguous farmlands continue to limit agricultural expansion. According to her, there is an urgent need to rethink land access, management, and protection policies to support increased food production.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also warned against the growing conversion of fertile agricultural lands into real estate developments, describing it as a major threat to Ghana’s long-term food security. She called for deliberate policies to protect green zones and incentivize families and communities that prioritize land for food production.

Highlighting sustainable practices, she commended queen mothers already engaged in mixed farming, noting its benefits for soil health and climate resilience.

She further advocated for the introduction of tailored pension schemes for women farmers and market traders, emphasizing the need for flexible and accessible financial security systems given the informal nature of their work.

Additionally, she urged financial institutions to develop agriculture-specific financing models, stressing that traditional lending approaches are not suitable for the sector and have contributed to limited investment.

“As we build inclusive and resilient agri-food systems, we must move beyond intention to action by creating real opportunities and support systems for women,” she stated.

As part of follow-up actions from the previous edition, queen mothers at the event were presented with day-old chicks, poultry feed, chicken feeders and chicken waterers under the government’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti Project, aimed at promoting poultry farming and improving livelihoods.