The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr. Efua Asabia Asare, has said that it was important for Ghanaians, particularly women, to take up farming as a business to promote rapid economic growth of the country.
Dr. Asare noted that farming was a lucrative job, and if Ghanaians had invested in agriculture, the country would be economically sound and would not have asked for support from the International Monitoring Fund (IMF).
She was speaking at the opening of a three-day exhibition for women in the Volta Region in farming and business, as well as to build their capacity to promote their businesses on the international market in Ho.
She assured the guests that the GEPA would consolidate the efforts of women in farming and business by promoting their products at the local and the international markets to ensure growth.
Dr. Asare said her outfit had recognised the important role women were playing in the promotion of made in Ghana goods internationally, and commended the Woman Icon in the Volta Region, Mrs. Gifty Kafui Kamassah, for distinguishing herself in the field of farming.
Dr. Asare, in recognition of the Volta Region Woman Icon, presented a citation in her honour, which read: ” In recognition of your extraordinary efforts in the world of agribusiness and international trade, and the CEO of Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited, you have led the production and export of fresh vegetables to Europe and beyond, redefining the possibilities of agribusiness on a global scale.
“Beyond your business acumen, you empowered women with essential agricultural skills including innovative cassava processing techniques, effective agricultural practices, income generation skills and adherence to health and safety standards on and off the field.”
Mrs. Gifty Kafui Kamassah thanked the GEPA for the recognition of the role she played in farming, and added that through hard work and determination, fresh vegetables had become a popular brand at the local and the international markets.
Mrs. Kamassah explained that the GEPA, in 2017 and 2018, identified her efforts and sent her to the United Kingdom and Germany for exhibition programmes.
She said for every business to thrive, there was the need to have a business plan, and to be focused in order to become successful.
The three-day exhibition would also equip the women with business management skills, financial management, and record keeping.
