COMMUNIQUE: ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 9TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF THE NATIONAL SEED TRADERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (NaSTAG)
HELD AT HOTEL STEVENS, HO, VOLTA REGION
29TH – 30TH APRIL 2025
The National Seed Traders Association of Ghana (NaSTAG) successfully held its 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) from April 29 to 30, 2025, at Hotel Stevens in Ho, located in the Volta Region. The meeting was conducted under the theme: "Strengthening Governance and Innovations for a Thriving Seed Value Chain in Ghana." The meeting brought together seed producers, traders, researchers, policymakers, and development partners to deliberate on critical issues affecting Ghana’s seed sector, with a focus on governance, innovation, and sustainability.
Key Deliberations and Outcomes
The two-day AGM featured robust discussions on strategies to enhance Ghana’s seed value chain. Key highlights included:
- Adoption of Previous Minutes and Financial Reports
The meeting commenced with the presentation, correction, and adoption of the minutes from the 8th AGM, followed by a review of matters arising from previous resolutions. Members also considered and adopted the 2024 Financial Statement, alongside the Executive Council’s Annual Report, which highlighted the association’s progress and challenges over the past year.
- Strategic Plan for Sustainable Growth
Members deliberated on NaSTAG’s five-year strategic plan, structured around four key domains with targeted result areas: Business Growth, aimed at expanding seed sales and enhancing members’ entrepreneurial capacity; Capacity Building, focused on improving technical expertise in seed production, processing, and quality assurance; Advocacy, dedicated to fostering an enabling policy environment through stakeholder engagement; and Organizational Development, designed to strengthen NaSTAG’s governance, sustainability, and service delivery to members. The plan provides a clear roadmap for driving competitiveness, innovation, and resilience across Ghana’s seed value chain.
- Call for Expedited Constitutional and Governance Reforms
The AGM highlighted the urgent need to accelerate the ongoing review of NaSTAG's constitution to strengthen governance systems and enhance accountability. Members unanimously agreed that comprehensive constitutional reforms are critical to:
- Modernize Governance Structures - Updating the association's framework to reflect current industry realities and best practices in organizational management
- Enhance Transparency - Implementing provisions for regular financial reporting and independent audits to ensure proper resource management
- Strengthen Accountability - Establishing clear performance benchmarks and ethical standards for leadership positions
- Improve Decision-Making - Creating more inclusive and democratic processes for association governance
The assembly mandated the newly elected Executive Council to prioritize this constitutional review process, recognizing that strong internal governance forms the foundation for the association's external impact and long-term sustainability.
- Collaboration with Government and Development Partners
A major focus of the discussions was the importance of partnerships with government agencies and donor institutions to support national agricultural initiatives, particularly the government’s "Feed Ghana" programme. Participants emphasized that quality seed is fundamental to food security and called for increased investment in seed production, distribution, and farmer education. The AGM resolved to engage more closely with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the National Seed Council, and development partners to align efforts with national priorities.
- Sustainable Financing and Blended Funding Mechanisms
Recognizing the financial challenges facing the association, the AGM explored innovative blended financing models, including public-private partnerships, donor funding, and member contributions, to ensure long-term sustainability. The newly elected Executive Council was tasked with developing a sustainable funding strategy to support NaSTAG’s programmes and operations.
New Leadership for a New Era
The AGM concluded with the election of a new Executive Council to lead NaSTAG for the next term. The newly elected leaders are:
- President: Seidu Mubarak Abdulai (Antika Company Limited)
- Vice President: Dr. Yaw Gyau Akyereko (PAG Farms Limited)
- Treasurer: Kenneth Barnes (My Barnes Limited )
- Northern Belt Representative: Bakaweri B. Samuel (BATBAK Services)
- Southern Zone Representative: Akpalu Besa Michael (Aki Bless Farms)
- Middle Belt Representative: Lawrence Effah (Effah Farms)
The incoming leadership pledged to prioritize good governance, member engagement, and strategic partnerships to advance Ghana’s seed industry.
Way Forward
NaSTAG remains committed to fostering a thriving, innovative, and sustainable seed sector in Ghana. Key focus areas include:
Enhancing seed quality and accessibility for smallholder farmers.
Strengthening collaboration with government and development partners.
Promoting accountability and financial sustainability through strong governance and diversified funding.
Advocating for policies that support seed industry growth.
The association extends its gratitude to all members, partners, and stakeholders for their contributions towards a successful AGM. NaSTAG looks forward to continued collaboration in building a resilient seed value chain for Ghana’s agricultural transformation.
Signed:
Seidu Mubarak Abdulai
President, NaSTAG
Date: 2nd May 2025
Ho, Volta Region
 |
 |
 |
----
For further inquiries, contact:
NaSTAG Secretariat
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Phone: +233 200783218/ 302 950741
