Accra, May 18, GNA - Ghana will host an international conference and exhibition on food processing from July 6-8, this year. The conference that would discuss the immense potential of agribusiness, is expected to attract about 5,000 food processors, trade associations, government officials and regulators. Mr Mutawakil Riyad, Chief Executive Officer of Ridmut Consult, the event organisers, launching the conference in Accra said it would also feature stakeholders worldwide to educate participants, on the latest marketing trends. "They would also let participants know of issues affecting the development of food processing industries and support institutions," he said.

Mr Riyad appealed to stakeholders in the food processing industry to take advantage of the conference to maximise profit. Mr John Odame Darkwah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Food and Drugs Board, stressed on the importance of food processing in national development and commended the organisers for the initiative. "The need to process food would not only avert loss of excess foods, but also ensure that poor harvest due to low crop yield, inadequate water supply, pest infestation and spread of diseases are effectively managed to prevent wastage in the little yield," he said. Mr Darkwah explained that food security did not only play pivotal role in food security but in national development as well, and pledged the commitment of the FDB towards any initiative to ensure foods processed in the country were safe for human consumption.