Former Nebraska State Senators Ken Schilz and Justin Wayne, and Co-Founder of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham), paid a courtesy visit to the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to explore opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, agro-processing, trade, investment, and industrial development at the AGI Secretariat.
The delegation was hosted by the President of AGI, Pharm. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, who welcomed them and highlighted AGI’s key objectives, noting that agribusiness is one of the key sectors of the Association.
Pharm. Nsiah-Poku noted that AGI has a nationwide presence and covers all the important sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
He pointed out that he was glad the government has made agriculture and agro-processing key drivers of the 24-hour economy.
Madam Alberta Akyaa Akosa, Co-Founder of GNEBCham, said the Chamber’s objective is to strengthen bilateral trade and partnerships while improving agricultural infrastructure and facilitating knowledge exchange between Ghana and Nebraska.
She disclosed that some AGI members are already working with Senators Schilz and Wayne to explore opportunities to strengthen the Ghana-Nebraska cashew market and agro-processing.
The initiative follows an engagement between the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, and stakeholders during his visit to Nebraska in May, which resulted in the signing of an MoU aimed at supporting the development of Ghana’s livestock sector.
Senator Justin Wayne highlighted plans to support farmers through capacity building to improve agricultural production, while Senator Ken Schilz emphasised the importance of introducing modern technology to farmers and agricultural practitioners in the SME sector.
Senator Schilz stressed that they are key members of GNEBCham, and their objective is to equip and empower local Ghanaian farmers with machinery and infrastructure, with technology and knowledge serving as tools to improve productivity.
The engagement provides a foundation for further collaboration in agriculture, agro-processing, technology transfer, trade and investment between Ghana and Nebraska.
Other officials at the meeting included Mr Tsonam Akpeloo, Accra Regional Chair, Mr. Ralph Ayittey, Chief Executive Officer of Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, Chief Executive Officer of AGI, and Mr Jojo Quayson, Senior Public and International Relations Manager
