Promoting agribusiness growth: Ghana, Nebraska State inaugurate agribusiness chamber

Last Wednesday marked the beginning of a new chapter of trade between Ghana and the State of Nebraska in the USA, particularly in the agribusiness sector, with the launch of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCHAM).

The GNEBCHAM is a body with a mission to forge robust partnerships, harness investment and enhance market access for agricultural products and technologies in Ghana and Nebraska.

Aimed at positioning itself as the voice for the advancement of agriculture, the chamber stands for what is possible through strategic partnerships, potentially revolutionising agricultural practices and driving economic growth.

With a focus on investment, strategic networking and improved policy advancements in agricultural practices and economic prosperity, GNEBCHAM is set to serve as a bridge between Ghana and US.

The chamber

To kickstart the real work, the 14-member interim Governing Board led by a multi-talented Consulting, Financial Advisory and Transformational Coach, Doris Ahiati, was also sworn in for a two-year term of office to man and stabilise the chamber.

The chamber currently has two Executive Directors - Alberta Nana Akosa and Senator Ken Schilz- running the daily affairs in Ghana and Nebraska respectively. The interesting aspect of the chamber is that it is not just about promoting agribusiness and trade, it also seeks to facilitate mutual resource, skill and knowledge exchanges to enhance trade, export and food production in all areas of agriculture between actors in the two countries.

The chamber was established with the belief that by fostering collaboration and partnerships between Ghanaian and Nebraskan agribusinesses, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future for both regions.

The firm grounding of GNEBCHAM, with full backing from the US Embassy in Ghana, the Foreign and Regional Integration Ministry, the Food and Agriculture Ministry and the Trade and Industry Ministry solidified the grounds for real business to take off.

Opportunities

The inauguration of the chamber has generated excitement among players in the agribusiness value chain. The huge turnout at the launch was a testament to the fact that Ghanaians in the areas of business and the agricultural value-chain are looking for avenues to expand their horizons.

Little wonder that as of the inauguration on July 17, 2024, over 100 companies, individuals and institutions have registered as members ranging from individual, silver, gold to platinum level according their respective muscles and capabilities.

The categories of membership include farmers, agribusiness players, financial institutions, insurance institutions, agricultural institutions, academia, research institutions as well as both public and private universities.

The chamber offers Ghanaians in the agribusiness sector input and the livestock sector the opportunity to strike deals, collaborate and engage in business to business with their counterparts in the Nebraska State, where all these are at an advanced stage.

Thus, becoming a member of the chamber offers a wide range of such opportunities. For instance, members, depending on membership category, have the opportunity to participate in the annual Husker Harvest Days in Nebraska.

The annual Husker Harvest Days usually create a platform where stakeholders in the agricultural value-chain and policy makers network, share best practices and hold business-to-business (B2B) meetings to help build relationships and boost the interests of both nations for the benefit of farmers and agribusinesses.

Already, about a 50-member Ghanaian delegation is set to participate in this year’s event in September after a successful event last year, where some members were able to strike deals to their advantage.

US Embassy in Ghana commitment

With the US Embassy in Ghana affirming its commitment to the chamber at the launch, it is clear that with good faith on the part of the chamber, the sky is its beginning.

At the launch, a Professional Associate in the Economic Department of State at the embassy, Mr Easton A. Reid, reaffirming the US Embassy's commitment to the chamber, outlined a vision of continued partnership aimed at building bridges and creating opportunities that drive economic growth.

He highlighted the sector's importance in driving economic growth, enhancing food security, and promoting the development of both nations. "The establishment of this chamber underscores the strong and enduring relationship between Ghana and the United States.

The U.S. Embassy is dedicated to partnering with the Ghana-Nebraska Growth and Trade Relations Chamber. Together, we will build bridges, create opportunities, and drive economic growth for the benefit of our nations," Mr Reid gave the assurance.

 This commitment places the chamber in a strategic position of strengthening international ties through economic diplomacy and collaborative ventures. The establishment of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to build resilient and mutually beneficial economic relationships.

It promises to enhance the agribusiness sector in both regions, driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to the overall economic well-being of Ghana and Nebraska.

Mission

In line with its mission, the chamber is also committed to facilitating networking opportunities between Ghanaian and Nebraskan agribusinesses to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing, provide access to resources and expertise that will help agribusinesses in both regions to improve their production and trade capabilities, as well as advocate policies that support the growth of agribusiness and trade between Ghana and Nebraska.

This partnership is expected to open new avenues for trade, investment and innovation benefiting both Ghana and Nebraska.

Writer’s email: severious.dery@graphic.com.gh