Fair Trade Ghana Network, a company which addresses the injustices of conventional trade by supporting smallholder farmers and workers, to secure better terms of trade has held its third annual general meeting in Accra.
The two-day event engaged its partners, stakeholders and members.
Addressing participants at the AGM, Acting President of FTGN, Florence Blankson bemoaned the ravaging impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and meetings.
While highlighting the purpose of the meeting to the media, Madam Blankson said the network had been heavily dependent on donor grants and membership dues and observed that one of the major challenges confronting FTGN, is scarce external funding.
“We want to update members on what we have done so far for the period. Most especially we could not do much because of the covid and we have still a lot to do. But we want to impress upon members to pay their dues because we can’t rely on grants forever,’ she lamented.
She further highlighted some strategies the company has put in place to raise funds as well as the need to have a fair trade market in Ghana so that farmers and producers will earn more and it will improve their livelihoods.
FTGN’s main partners over the years include Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF) who are the managers of the Equity Project which continues to support the Network.
The event saw dignitaries such as Solomon Mcbanasam, an advocacy and projects officer at Fairtrade Africa, Edward Akapire, AVSF, a donor partner who is currently implementing a project with FTGN was also present.
The annual reports both general and financial of the organisation was read and deliberated on for its adoption. There was also a review of 2 important documents of the organisation, being its strategic 4year plan and its constitution.
Other events at the AGM was the election of a new leadership to steer the affairs of the organisation.
New members of the board include Florence Blankson – President, Mr. Gbokobi – Vice president, Anthony Buah – Treasurer, Theophilus Kyamasi – Secretary, and Emmanuel Nana Kwame Addo – Organiser
