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By Daniel HOLLIE The Ghana-Nebraska AgriWater Summit 2025 commenced on a positive note, highlighting the importance of education, innovation, and teamwork. The summit’s objective is to enhance agricultural and trade relationships between Ghana and Nebraska. Held under the banner ‘Cultivating Solutions Across Continents’, the summit seeks to foster collaboration in agribusiness growth, irrigation technology, energy, and higher education. It forms part of a broader initiative for business and investment matchmaking that strengthens trade and research cooperation between Ghana and Nebraska. Leading the 15-member Ghanaian delegation was Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, Vice Chair of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham). He was accompanied by John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture; and Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives on Agriculture and Agribusiness. Also present was Dr. Yaw Asare, Chair of GNEBCham’s Education Committee from the Chamber Secretariat. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Sunkwa-Mills remarked that the summit presents a significant opportunity to forge enduring partnerships that link Ghana’s agricultural requirements with Nebraska’s expertise in research and water management. “Our aim is to establish lasting partnerships that align Ghana’s agribusiness ambitions with Nebraska’s strengths in agricultural science and innovation,” he expressed. “This collaboration represents a crucial step toward jointly developing sustainable and advantageous solutions for communities in both areas.” Dr. Otokunor emphasised the importance of educational exchanges and technology transfer in the modernisation of Ghana’s agriculture. “Fostering relationships with academic and research institutions such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will accelerate Ghana’s agro-industrial transformation and support presidential agricultural initiatives,” he highlighted. The delegation engaged with faculty, researchers, and irrigation specialists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to discuss joint opportunities in curriculum design, applied research, capacity building, and pilot initiatives aimed at enhancing water efficiency and agro-industrial value chains in Ghana. Jess Goldoni, a representative from Ecosyntra, warmly welcomed the Ghanaian group, stating, “We’re delighted to host our Ghanaian partners and embark on a day filled with learning, sharing, and cultivating robust agricultural ties throughout Nebraska.” The delegation plans to proceed with meetings and field trips to irrigation facilities, ranches, and farmers’ cooperatives to finalise collaborative proposals, consider faculty and student exchange programmes, and explore approaches for technology transfer and funding joint ventures. GNEBCham, representing Nebraska’s agribusiness interests on a global scale, is dedicated to establishing transparent, effective, and sustainable partnerships with Ghana. With a membership of over 100 companies, the Chamber is focused on advancing trade, enhancing agricultural infrastructure, and promoting shared objectives in food and water security between the regions.
