…calls for youth involvement
The Queen mother of Abomasu, Obaapanin Konadu Kontie II, has become a beacon of inspiration through her dedication to farming and community development. With an impressive agricultural enterprise spanning 30 acres of cocoa, 2 acres of maize, 5 acres of palm nut, and 5 acres of plantain and cassava, Konadu Kontie II has transformed her passion for farming into a catalyst for positive change.
Agrihouse Foundation’s Production Team is presently travelling across all 33 districts in the Eastern Region. While documenting the remarkable achievements of 62 shortlisted women farmers and farmers with disabilities in the Eastern Region for the upcoming 5th Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards – an annual rotational regional intervention organised by Agrihouse Foundation in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, they captured the story of Obaapanin Konadu Kontie II.
At the age of 60, Obaapanin Konadu Kontie II oversees a team of four permanent workers and collaborates with six labourers, harnessing their combined efforts to ensure the success of her diverse farming operations. Since she began her farming journey in 2002, she has encountered numerous challenges, including the need for financial support, spraying machines, fertilisers, and reliable Wellington boots.
Despite these hurdles, her perseverance and hard work have borne fruit. Through her farming endeavours, she has not only built a home for herself, but has also extended her philanthropic efforts to educate girls in the community. As a Queen mother, she recognises the significance of education in empowering young women and believes in providing opportunities for their advancement.
Expressing her hopes for recognition and an award, Konadu Kontie II explains, “Receiving this honour will serve as a motivation for the youth in my community to work diligently. It will also enable me to support and empower more individuals within our community. As a Queen Mother, I believe that through agriculture, we can uplift our community and ensure food security.”
In addition to her accomplishments, Konadu Kontie II passionately advocates for youth involvement in agriculture while discouraging illegal mining activities, also known as ‘galamsey’. She emphasises that agriculture is a viable and sustainable means of livelihood that not only provides food security, but also creates opportunities for economic growth.
The Queen mother extends her heartfelt gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation and its partners for their invaluable support in empowering farmers and fostering agricultural development. Their collaboration has played a significant role in bringing about positive change within her community.
Konadu Kontie II’s commitment to farming and community upliftment stands as a shining example for all. Her perseverance, dedication and efforts to educate and empower others demonstrate the transformative impact that agriculture can have on individuals and communities.
As she continues her journey, Konadu Kontie II hopes that her story will inspire the youths to embrace agriculture and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities, while preserving the environment for future generations.
Travelling from district to district, the Agrihouse Production Team seeks to capture stories of resilience, innovation and success, showcasing the immense talent, achievement and hard work of these women farmers in the Eastern Region.
Their efforts aim to make a profound impact by highlighting the incredible contributions of women farmers and farmers with disabilities who pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector that recognises the vital role of women in shaping the future of food security.
Global Affairs Canada has for the past five years shown a continued commitment to recognising the invaluable contributions of women farmers by sponsoring Agrihouse Foundation’s production team in our quest to recognise, honour and celebrate women farmers and farmers with disability. Other partners for this year’s 5th WOFAGRIC & Gold in the Soil Awards include Yara Ghana, RDF Ghana, LBG and World Food Program.
The 5th WOFAGRIC & Gold in the Soil Awards is scheduled for July 26-27 in Koforidua in the Eastern Region under the theme ‘Overcoming the Barriers to Women Agribusiness Development: The Role of Stakeholders’ and promises to be a momentous occasion. These events will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders and women farmers and farmers with disability to award and celebrate achievements, share knowledge and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
About WOFAGRIC & Gold in the Soil Awards:
Agrihouse Foundation’s Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Training Forum (WOFAGRIC) & The Gold in the Soil Awards is an annual event that strengthens and promotes a paradigm shift in celebrating women farmers, processors, marketers and individuals contributing to the agricultural value chain. These awards acknowledge the remarkable efforts of women in various sectors, including transportation, packaging, technology and input dealers. Every year, the event moves from region to region, searching for these extraordinary women who play a significant role in putting food on our tables. Regardless of their limited abilities, they are striving to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.
