UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub Organises a Collaborative Community of Practice as Part of the RISA BRIInG II Project

The UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub organised a significant stakeholder engagement event as part of the RISA BRIInG II project, referred to as the Collaborative Community of Practice (CCOP). Themed "From Farm to Fork," the event aimed to foster collaboration among rural entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors to build a sustainable rural innovation ecosystem.

The stakeholder engagement focused on developing a comprehensive framework to define the structure and objectives of the CCOP. This framework was set to establish effective knowledge-sharing platforms and support a thriving rural innovation ecosystem that ensures sustainability and growth. The event was also a culmination of efforts to connect rural entrepreneurs who participated in the RISA BRIInG I training with researchers and investors.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean of UGBS, emphasised that the CCOP is designed to facilitate ongoing stakeholder engagement and collaboration. He highlighted the importance of organised workshops, seminars, online communication platforms, and formal partnership agreements in driving the success of the CCOP.

Among the notable attendees was Nana Yaa Asantewaa Gloria, Queen Mother of Techiman Tuabodom, who was also a participant in RISA BRIInG I. She addressed the challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs, including the need for capital and essential resources such as fertilizers and pesticides. She expressed her commitment to the project and stressed that with the support of investors, rural entrepreneurs could contribute significantly to the economy by reducing the cost of tomatoes on the market and decreasing youth unemployment.

Dr. Maame Yaakwaah Blay Adjei, a Food Science Researcher at the Dairy Research, Improvement & Innovation Consortium (DRING), encouraged Ghanaians to consume locally grown food, emphasising that Ghana possesses the land, resources, and skills necessary to grow more food. She advocated for rural food innovation as a key driver of sustainable development.

Mr. Sampson Abankwa, from the Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Directorate (PPMED) of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, also addressed the gathering. He spoke about the role of the Ghana Enterprises Agency in business development and the potential of the CCOP as a platform for data and research. He highlighted the Ministry’s interest in contributing to policy implementation through the CCOP, particularly in making the Agricultural Centre more attractive for youth employment.

Mr. Abankwa also discussed government initiatives that support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), noting that some projects have provided free equipment to SMEs. He encouraged entrepreneurs to seek support strategically, revealing that 12 banks, including Ecobank, are committed to financing SMEs.

The event concluded with an interactive panel discussion, allowing participants to address questions and concerns, further fostering the collaborative spirit of the CCOP.