Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle-Klottey, has urged the creation of specialised pension schemes for women farmers and market queens to secure their financial futures. Speaking at the eighth edition of the “Gathering of the Royals” at the GNAT Hall in Accra, she emphasised that these women, who form the backbone of local economies, often lack structured retirement systems.
Highlighting the informal and unpredictable nature of agricultural work, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings called for pension models that are flexible, accessible, and aligned with agricultural cycles. She encouraged financial institutions to develop products that reflect the realities of women in informal economic activities.
Beyond financial security, she raised concerns about land tenure limitations and the increasing conversion of fertile agricultural land into real estate, warning that these trends threaten long-term food security.
The event, organised by Agrihouse Foundation under the theme “Seeds of Change: From Leadership to Legacy – Women Reforming the Agri-food System,” brought together over 600 Queen Mothers, policymakers, and agribusiness leaders. Discussions highlighted infrastructure deficits, including inadequate storage and preservation facilities, which contribute to post-harvest losses and reduce incomes for women traders.
Market queens from Nima, Malata, and Tema Station markets called for upgraded facilities to prevent produce spoilage. Madam Challorte Martey stressed that the lack of cold storage is undermining the earnings of women already struggling to make ends meet.
Ms Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa noted that the annual gathering provides a platform for traditional leaders to influence national policy, and that a communiqué from the deliberations would be submitted to Parliament’s Select Committee on Agriculture to guide future legislative interventions.
