The Ghana Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (GhAFoST) held its first annual general meeting (AGM) on October 31, 2024 at the Allotey Auditorium of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
The AGM brought together stakeholders in the food value chain to share insights on the theme: “Advancing Ghana’s Agripreneurship Through Food Science and Technology: The Role of GhAFoST.”
In his opening address, Professor Paa Nii T. Johnson, the Interim President of GhAFoST, highlighted the importance of the Association's formation, describing it as a significant step forward for both food scientists and technologists and for Ghana at large. He emphasised that GhAFoST aims to address crucial societal needs in Ghana, particularly in health and lifestyle improvement. According to Professor Johnson, a collaborative effort is necessary to transition from traditional to scientific and health-conscious food production practices. He said that the establishment of GhAFoST marks an official commitment to advancing Ghana’s food culture towards a more scientific, modern approach that prioritises safety and quality in food cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and packaging.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor (Mrs.) Sarah Darkwa, the Interim Vice-President of GhAFoST, stated the impact of agriculture on Ghana’s economy, referencing data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, which shows that agriculture accounts for 54% of Ghana’s GDP and provides 90% of the food consumed domestically. She further noted a 2022 World Bank report indicating that agriculture directly contributes 39.74% to Ghana’s economy. To this end, Professor Mrs. Darkwa underscored the role of Agripreneurship in reducing poverty and unemployment due to its labour-intensive nature. "Agri-industrialisation leads to rural development and helps balance a country’s overall development," she remarked. She also emphasized that Agripreneurs play a crucial role in leveraging local resources, stimulating capital formation, and raising per capita income.
Professor (Mrs.) Darkwa called for substantial investment in food science and technology professionals to support farmers with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. She stressed the role of food scientists and technologists in building farmers’ capacity in business management and marketing, in addition to setting regulatory standards that improve product quality. She noted that these professionals are instrumental in shaping policy, promoting Agripreneurship, and ensuring industry standards that align with global best practices.
Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives from the Ghana Standards Authority and the Ghana Science Association, emphasising the importance of GhAFoST’s mission in enhancing food safety, innovation, and quality standards across the agricultural sector.
Established on October 26, 2022 according to its constitution, the Ghana Association of Food Scientists and Technologists, is a non-profit organization for food science and technology professionals to provide opportunities for the dissemination and exchange of knowledge and experiences primarily among members, the public and society at large. GhAFoST has its secretariat in KNUST-Kumasi.
