The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana has honoured the efforts and contributions of distinguished and deserving agribusinesses in Ghana on Friday the 21st December 2018, at Ange Hill Hotel in Accra.

The award which was organized on the theme ‘Publicly Recognizing Efforts and Contribution of Distinguished and Deserving Agribusinesses’ is aimed at building a thriving and booming agribusiness sector leading in entrepreneurship, investment, poverty alleviation, food and nutrition security, wealth creation and contributing to Ghana’s economic development and middle-income status.

Farmer Anthony Morrison, the Chairman of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana in his welcome address made known the essence of organizing the awards.

According to him, “Before we became agribusiness practitioners, farmers and publishing players, there were some people who have actually shown the way for which we have followed. The essence today is to reward such people for their achievement and work in promoting and developing a very strong agribusiness and agricultural value chain industry.”

He applauded the government for its introduction of ‘Planting for Food and Jobs and 1D1F’ policy that has expanded the chamber. He also said the awards is to renew the strength and bondage between the Agric private sector and the government. Farmer Anthony Morrison further urged the stakeholders within the industry to network enough to move the Chamber to the next level.

Also speaking at the programme, Mr. Charles Rush, Regional Counselor for United States Department of Agriculture, stated that agriculture is the driving force behind Ghana’s economy and in order for Ghana to strengthen its economy, Ghana needs to pursue Public-Private joint ventures to create an environment to attract investors into Agricultural Sector.

He emphasized the fact that Ghana has to invest in Agriculture extension, marketing and diplomacy as an engine to overdrive Ghana and to see Ghana changing in Agriculture production and processing.

Mr. T. V Ganesan, Second Secretary, Indian High Commission added that India and Ghana have collaborated to improve Agric technology. He said that recently Indian Centre for Consular CSIR and Ghana have implemented Tomatoes Pilot Research Programme to improve tomatoes production aimed at easing post-harvest losses at Ada, Kumasi, and Navorongo.

A total of twenty-two categories were awarded and the categories spanned from Agribusiness financial institution to outstanding academic leadership. Below are the award categories and the respective winners for 2018.

Outstanding Company for processed Foods – Esther Eklu (Nkulenu)

Outstanding Agribusiness Financial Institution – ADB

Outstanding Agribusiness media company – Rite FM

Outstanding Commercial mechanized Farm – Weinco Rice Farm Sogakofe

Outstanding Fresh Fruit Company – Blue Skies

Outstanding Fresh Vegetables Company – Eden Tree

Outstanding Agricultural Machinery/ Equipment Company – Agro Africa

Outstanding International organization Supporting Technical Skills Development – GIZ (ATVET)

Outstanding Cooperative/ FBO – Peasant farmers association of Ghana

Outstanding Agribusiness Sustainability Company Agribusiness in sustainable natural African plant products (ASNAPP) – Mr. Dan Acquaye (Executive Director)

Outstanding Agriculture Project/program – Agri house foundation (Pre-harvest)

Outstanding Organization Promoting Food Security and Nutrition – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Outstanding Innovative Agriculture Programme – Planting for Food and Jobs/MoFA

Outstanding agribusiness management consulting firm – Mel consult

Outstanding innovation in agribusiness technology – Esoko

Outstanding agribusiness celebrity – Batman Samini

Outstanding policy leadership award – Marjorie Abdin

Outstanding agribusiness leadership personality – Farmer Davies Korboe

Outstanding Ghanaian Processing Company – Caltech Ghana Limited

Outstanding Fisheries Company – Volta Catch/Tropo Farms

Outstanding Livestock Company – Flour Mills of Ghana Ltd. (FMG)

Outstanding Academic Leadership Award – WACCI (University of Ghana).