Accra, Sept. 12, GNA – Ms Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, a non-governmental organisation with focus on agriculture value chain development, has been honoured with the 2024 Agrifood Future Prize Award at the Agrifood Future event in Salerno, Italy.
She was recognised for her exceptional contributions to strengthening Agri-food systems across Africa, particularly in Ghana.
The premier event, organised by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European Parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Environment and Energy Security, Google and Made in Italy, redefines Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical, reform-oriented discussions, expanding the global conversation on Agri-food systems.
This is in a news brief from Agrihouse Foundation.
Professor Alex Giordano, President Andrea Prete, in presenting the award, praised Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa for her passion and determination.
“Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has a clear vision for the future of food. We appreciate her attention to young people and women. For this reason, we can imagine a collaboration also in Africa, with Agrifood Future and between the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, European Parliament, Italian Ministries and Agrihouse Foundation,” he said.
Ms Akosa said, “Food unites the world! Where there is food, there is peace; where there is peace, there is development; and where there is development, there is sustainability.”
She said, “I am deeply encouraged by all the wonderful people here. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and making me feel at home. I am incredibly grateful.
“I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to my entire Agrihouse Foundation team for their outstanding contributions and support.”
Ms Akosa dedicated the recognition to women committed to the act of service to humanity through Agriculture.
“It is also to all women who are continuously demonstrating the acts of courage, passion, compassion, determination, boldness and consistency to advancing the AgriFood systems. I believe we share a common bond with this Prize,” Alberta added.
She said the subject of food was extremely important, considering that it was the first work God gave to man – to work in the Garden of Eden.
“Now, you and I have one major assignment to protect the future of food. But the future is already here, the future is now, the future is me and the future is you. 1.2 billion of the world’s present population are between the ages of 15-24 years; of these, 600 million are rural youth, whose main challenge is unemployment.
“Additionally, one in five people globally depends on animal agriculture for their livelihoods. Therefore, our actions and inactions will highly influence our present food systems and generations ahead.
“In my country Ghana alone, agriculture employs 39.49% of our population, with 70% being smallholder farmers living in rural communities.”
She said that was why it was important to take innovative and sustainable actions to secure and lay the needed foundations for the Food and Agricultural bodies.
Ms Akosa said, “ In 2025, Agrihouse Foundation will strengthen its working relationship with President Andrea Prete, Professor Alex, Unioncamere and the Rural Hack Team to ensure a global community is created by having a greater representation of Ghanaians, Africans and the Caribbean to join the conversations in advancing innovative Agri-food practices.”
She applauded the high youth representation at the event, stating, “It brings my spirit alive and gives me so much hope for the future of our food systems.”
“The youth and women possess great ideas and dreams, but unfortunately, many of us lack opportunities. This Prize, I know, will inspire many of our youth to stay focused and keep pushing forward. I am hoping some of them would be able to join us here in 2025 and be part of the Agrifood Future Youth Summer and some of the other sessions.”
Ms Akosa proposed the establishment of an Academy to train sustainable farmers and leaders, stating, “Let us adopt a resolution to create an Academy to train and develop a youth movement of sustainable farmers. Let us work together to connect the unconnected.”
GNA