Dr Evelyn Maureen Acquaye inspires us and you?

Dr Evelyn Maureen Acquaye inspires us and you?

A visionary leader linking youth and sustainability in Ghana’s agri-food sector

In the vibrant heart of Ghana’s Central Region lies a source of hope and sustainability: Benyima Farms. Under the dynamic leadership of Dr Evelyn Maureen Acquaye, this woman-owned business is transforming the agricultural landscape by combining innovation, sustainability and empowerment.

An anesthetist turned agribusiness entrepreneur, Dr Acquaye embodies resilience and visionary thinking. In 2013, she founded Benyima Farms, a 240-acre oasis that produces mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit, coconuts, beetroot and butternut squash. But her mission goes far beyond farming. Dr Acquaye’s leadership is driving economic empowerment, sustainable farming practices and a movement for healthier lifestyles.

Transforming Fruits, Transforming Lives

In 2018, Benyima Farms launched a fruit juice processing line to address a critical challenge in agriculture: post-harvest losses. The result? Juice Up, a vibrant range of 100% natural fruit juices made with no preservatives, additives or artificial colours. These 36 unique juice blends, infused with health-promoting ingredients such as ginger, mint and neem, offer consumers a refreshing taste of Ghana’s finest produce. Certified by the Ghanaian FDA and GSA, Juice Up reflects Dr Acquaye’s commitment to quality and health.

In addition, Dr Acquaye launched the Student Vendor Entrepreneurship Programme in 2021, a platform for youth empowerment recognising the transformative power of education and opportunity. This groundbreaking initiative empowers tertiary students across Ghana to market Juice Up products, enhancing their entrepreneurial skills while promoting healthy living. The programme sponsors students from five regions, with plans to expand nationwide, connecting them to tertiary education programmes and shaping the next generation of leaders.

Through this initiative, students learn the fundamentals of business management, e-commerce and sustainability. They are not only ambassadors for healthy lifestyles, but also catalysts for change in their communities.

Dr Evelyn Acquaye’s inspirational vision as pace setter for producing healthy demand driven products has motivated her to introduce mango and pineapple freeze dried products on the Ghanaian market. which is unique among the processed mango and pineapple products on the Ghanaian market.

With a vision rooted in sustainability, Benyima Farms embodies the principles of sustainable agriculture. By employing local people and training farmers in best practices, the farm creates a ripple effect of economic and social benefits. Dr Acquaye’s vision is to transform the farm into a fully mechanised operation, providing much-needed services to neighbouring farmers and reinforcing her commitment to innovation and development.

An inspiration to women and beyond

Dr Evelyn Acquaye is a shining example of how one woman’s determination can impact an entire sector. Her leadership is not only driving the sustainability of Ghana’s agri-food industry, but also inspiring young entrepreneurs to dream big and act boldly.

As COLEAD continues to support champion initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Acquaye’s story resonates as an example of the transformative power of sustainable business. Her journey underscores the importance of linking innovation, youth empowerment and health to create a better future.

Benyima Farms has benefited from the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, which includes training in coconut production, mango production with a focus on bacterial black spot management, and strategic business development.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.