The Ghana–Nebraska AgriWater Summit (GHASKA 2025) has deepened cooperation between Ghana and the U.S. State of Nebraska, unlocking new opportunities in irrigation development, agritech innovation, academic exchange and agribusiness partnerships.
Held under the theme “Cultivating Solutions Across Continents,” the summit brought together Ghanaian government officials, Nebraska state leaders, academic institutions, agribusiness experts and industry players to explore climate-smart agriculture, sustainable water management and modern food production systems.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Co-Founder of GNEBCham and Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, said the partnership would help Ghana strengthen irrigation development, modernise farming practices and build resilient food systems.
She noted that Ghana and Nebraska share similar agricultural challenges, making the collaboration strategic.
“Through platforms like this, we are cultivating real partnerships that bring technology, expertise and investment together to drive sustainable agricultural growth,” she said.
A 15-member Ghanaian delegation, including Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, and Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture, embarked on an extensive study tour at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and its Water for Food Global Institute.
They explored Nebraska’s world-class water management systems, agritech models, livestock operations and mechanised farming technologies.
Mr. Dumelo described the experience as transformative, saying “Nebraska’s agricultural ecosystem offers lessons Ghana can apply, from irrigation technologies to livestock management. This partnership can reshape our agricultural systems back home,” he added.
The summit also laid the foundation for long-term academic collaboration. Ghanaian universities and UNL have begun developing frameworks for, joint research programmes, faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development and collaborative innovation initiatives
Dr. Otokunor emphasised that modern agriculture requires strong knowledge systems.
“We cannot modernise agriculture without innovation. This partnership strengthens our academic and research foundations,” he said.
Beyond academia, the delegation met with Nebraska state officials, agribusiness firms and cooperatives such as Beck’s Hybrid Seeds, PetSource by Tyson Foods, and Farmers’ Cooperatives.
Nebraska Senator Ken Schilz described the collaboration as a pathway to shared prosperity.
“Ghana brings innovation and energy; Nebraska brings infrastructure and experience. Together we are building a bridge for global food security,” he said.
Several MoUs and partnership agreements between Ghanaian and Nebraskan institutions are now being finalised.
GNEBCham says these will translate knowledge exchange into measurable impact, boosting productivity, supporting agripreneurs and promoting sustainable agricultural growth.
Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, Vice President of GNEBCham, said GHASKA 2025 marks the start of a long-term movement.
“This is more than a summit, it is a platform to strengthen trade relations, bridge agribusiness ecosystems and empower the next generation of agricultural innovators.”
