Former BBC journalist Elizabeth Ohene has expressed concern about what she says is low recognition given to those involved in the most important professions that actually help sustain life on earth.
She is concerned about science and agriculture, in particular, do not receive as much hype as other professions and wants that to change.
“How come those practical things… science, agriculture, have never been seen as sexy?” the former Minister of state in charge of Education quizzed.
“Food and waste disposal ought to be at the top of the most important parts of our lives… Somehow, that’s a story that never gets told with any passion because food is always there…” she observed.
Madam Ohene was speaking at a graduation ceremony for the 2019 Global Leadership Fellows of the Cornell Alliance for Science in Washington DC – USA.
The 31 Cornell Alliance for Science Global Leadership Fellows spent three months on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca – New York where they received training on science communication and developed plans to help deal with hunger issues across the globe.
Director of Cornell Alliance for Science Sarah Evanega expressed confidence the fellows will step out into the world and make great impacts to help deal with food insecurity issues.
Two Ghanaians, Richmond Frimpong and Slyvia Tawiah Tettehwere among the graduates.
Ms Tetteh of the Women Who Farm campaign group in a speech expressed concern less than 20% of agricultural land in the world is owned by women farmers although they constitute the majority of food producers on the continent.
“If women farmers are empowered equally, they would be more productive, independent and financially stable. Their children and families would have the lives they wish to enjoy and provide for themselves. And there will be no need to let their children lose out on their American dreams just as my mother did,” she observed.