Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture visits Ghana

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture of the Netherlands are went to Ghana from February 3 to 6 as part of a working trip aimed at strengthening partnerships between the two countries and developing a new cooperation.

Carola Schouten's three-day visit will highlight the role of climate smart agriculture as a solution to local problems related to climate change, food security and Ghana's population growth.

This will be his first visit to an African country as part of his current duties.

The Netherlands are the world second biggest exporter of agricultural products produce and has a very innovative agricultural sector. Like a result, the Dutch private sector has a strong presence in Ghana and contributes to food security through knowledge and skills.

Through her visit, Schouten looks forward to strengthening this relationship as well as see how the issue of climate change and food security can be addressed for the growing population of the world.

Ms. Schouten's first meeting was with the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.

The meeting focused on strengthening agricultural cooperation between the two countries and discusses the Dutch and Ghanaian vision for the future of agriculture.

Holland, hub of transit to Europe and Europe is As one of Ghana's main export destinations, the two countries plan to continue growing together.

The Embbady of the Netherlands in Ghana is already engaged in a multitude of food security programs such as CORIP, SWAPP and Hortifresh, and the Minister will visit these projects in order to be better informed of the challenges and opportunities in Ghana and West Africa.

The minister will also visit Joekopan, a local vegetable producer and exporter who promotes local economic growth with the help of Dutch knowledge and innovation, after which she will visit the Blue Skies factory. .

The Minister will organize a ceremony of inauguration of works for the Koudijs factory which will be developed in Tema. Together with Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akotoshe will deliver a speech on the importance of a quality food for the development of the local poultry sector.

Ms. Schouten will then continue her trip to Côte d'Ivoire where she will meet with her counterparts and the President of the African Development Bank.

She will be returning to the Netherlands from Cote d Ivoire on February 8th.