A lecture on Resetting Agriculture in Ghana by Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu and hosted by Professor Richard Jinks Bani.
Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu, a distinguished agricultural luminary and visionary leader, currently serves as the President of the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG), a position he has held since May 2023. Dr. Azinu is a driving force behind the transformation of the Ghanaian seed sector, recognised for his remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to agricultural development in the region.
As the founder of the Legacy Crop Improvement Centre (LCIC), headquartered at the innovative Legacy Square in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Dr. Azinu has carved a legacy of excellence in the seed business. His pioneering spirit is exemplified by Legacy Square, a Smart Seed Business Centre equipped with state-of-the-art seed processing devices, marking it as the first of its kind in West Africa. Under his leadership, Legacy Square has become a beacon of innovation and a catalyst for the modernisation of the seed industry.
Dr. Azinu's dedication to the betterment of the Ghanaian seed sector extends beyond the boundaries of Legacy Square. He has been an integral part of NASTAG's executive board, serving as an executive board member from 2017 to 2021 and taking on the role of Chair for the Technical Standards Committee from 2017 to 2022.
Dr. Azinu has been a prominent figure in agricultural consultancy. He played a pivotal role as a lead consultant in developing a five-year strategic plan (2023-2027) for NASTAG, setting the course for the organisation's future endeavours. Dr. Azinu is also a valued member of the Sectoral Board of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, further solidifying his reputation as a respected authority in the field.
Dr. Azinu's expertise extends internationally, as he served as a consultant for the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) on a Seed Project from 2018 to 2019. His contributions to global agriculture include participation in a nationwide study on Early Generation Seed (EGS) in Ghana, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through USAID in 2016.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, a Master of Philosophy in Genetics and Plant Breeding, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in crop science, all earned at the University of Ghana, Legon. To further enrich his knowledge, Dr. Azinu pursued an International Certificate in Seed Business Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu stands as an inspiring figure in Ghana's agricultural landscape, leading initiatives that drive innovation, sustainability, and growth within the seed sector. His unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural practices and ensuring food security has solidified his position as a key influencer in the nation's journey towards a prosperous agricultural future.