By Murtala Issah
The 7th Annual Conference of the Ghana Association of Agricultural Economists (GAAE) commenced on October 2, 2024, at the University for Development Studies (UDS). The four-day event, which brings together leading agricultural economists, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals from across the country, is set to address critical issues affecting the agricultural sector in Ghana and beyond.
In his opening remarks, the President of the GAAE, Professor Daniel Bruce Sarpong, extended a warm welcome to participants. He emphasized the importance of the conference as a platform for exchanging ideas and forging solutions to the challenges facing Ghana’s agriculture. “I urge all participants to actively contribute to the discussions. Your insights can drive meaningful change and positively impact society,” he said. Professor Sarpong encouraged attendees to focus on actionable outcomes that could help shape policy and practice in agricultural economics.
Representing the host institution, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies, Professor Elliot Alhassan, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host such a prestigious event. He highlighted the conference theme as timely, given the pressing challenges facing agriculture in Ghana. Professor Alhassan particularly warned against the dangers of illegal mining (galamsey), which has devastated many of the country’s water bodies. “We must confront this threat to our natural resources, as it not only undermines agriculture but also jeopardizes the sustainability of our environment,” he stated.
Adding to the discourse, Madam Rahmat Musah, Northern Regional Agriculture Engineer, welcomed the participants and challenged them to produce research that could help address the menace of climate change. She stressed that agriculture, as the backbone of Ghana’s economy, is under threat from changing weather patterns, and solutions must be found to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of farmers. “The time for talk is over; we need practical, research-backed recommendations to fight climate change and protect our agricultural systems,” she added.
The Ghana Association of Agricultural Economists, through its annual conferences, seeks to foster collaboration among stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The GAAE is dedicated to promoting the development of agriculture by facilitating research and policy dialogue on critical issues such as food security, sustainable farming, and rural development. By bringing experts together, the association aims to drive innovation and influence policy to improve agricultural productivity and economic growth in Ghana.
Throughout the event, participants will engage in plenary and breakout sessions where they will present and discuss research findings. These sessions are expected to offer valuable insights into key areas such as agricultural finance, climate resilience, and food systems, contributing to the development of effective strategies for the country’s agricultural sector.
The conference continues until October 5, 2024, and promises to leave a lasting impact on the future of agricultural policy and practice in Ghana.
