Speakers
Pioneering Voices in Agribusiness: Discover the Experts Shaping the Future of Canada-Ghana Food Security & Trade
Hon. Eric Opoku
Minister of Food and Agriculture, Ghana
Hon. Opoku is a farmer / agriculturist. Prior to his appointment into parliament, he worked as a teacher with the Ghana Education Service at SDA Primary School in Sankore, from 1997 to 2000. He has also worked with Kuapa Kookoo Ltd as the Society Development Secretary from 1998 to 2001.
Hon. Eric Opoku is a Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament representing the Asunafo South Constituency in the Ahafo Region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Hon. Eric Opoku was born on 5 June 1970. He hails from a town called Sankore in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. He had his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in year 2004.
Hon. Opoku was first elected into the 3rd parliament of the 4th republic of Ghana as the member of parliament for the Asunafo South constituency in the then Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Though he lost his seat in the subsequent election, he was elected again into parliament on 7 January 2013 after claiming victory at the 2012 Ghanaian General Elections to represent the Asunafo South constituency and served until 6 January 2017. He was then reelected on 7 January 2017 after the 2016 Ghanaian General Elections.
He has worked as the Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Minister from 2009 to 2013. In the 7th parliament of the 4th republic of Ghana he served on the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee as a ranking Member. He also served on the Privileges Committee and Appointments Committee in the same parliament.
Dr. Mary Buhr
Chair of Inugural Canada-Ghana Agribusiness Summit 2025
Dr. Mary M. Buhr is Professor Emerita in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan. A distinguished leader in agricultural education and research, Dr. Buhr has held various prominent roles, including Vice Provost of Faculty Relations at University of Saskatchewan, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan, Principal Investigator of the Technical Education Development for Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana (TEDMAG) project, and President of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. With several years of leadership expertise and established diplomatic ties with the High Commission of Canada to Ghana and the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Buhr brings a unique blend of academic, research, and industry experience to the table. Currently, she serves as Chairperson of the Summit Committee for 2024-2025, leading the organization of the Canada-Ghana Agribusiness Summit 2025, a premier event fostering collaboration and growth in the agribusiness sector between Canada and Ghana.
Mr. Keith Raymond Fournier
Executive Chair of Voazok Agritours and Summit Committee Member
Keith Fournier, Executive Chair of Voazok Agritours Canada and a Summit Committee Member of the Canada-Ghana Agribusiness Summit, is a renowned Canadian producer and agricultural leader who will play a pivotal role in promoting agricultural collaboration between Canada and Ghana. As Chair of the Saskatchewan Oilseeds Development Commission and Vice-Chairperson of Agriculture in the Classroom, Keith brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable farming practices, agricultural innovation, and industry leadership, with his farms in Saskatchewan serving as a model for environmentally friendly agriculture and innovative farming practices.
Prof. Tracy Quinton
Dean of Agricultural Sciences at Lakeland College, Alberta Canada
Prof. Tracy Quinton is the Dean of Agricultural Sciences at Lakeland. With a rich history at Lakeland spanning over 17 years, Tracy has held various roles that have significantly enhanced the educational experience for students and colleagues alike. Notably, he has been instrumental in developing and leading the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland, an innovative experiential learning model that provides students with hands-on experience in agriculture. The student-managed farms at the Ghanaian agricultural colleges was modelled after Lakeland’s student-managed farm as part of the Technical Education Development for Modernizing Agriculture in Ghana (TEDMAG) project. Lakeland College, located in Vermilion, Alberta, Canada, is a leading post-secondary institution renowned for its innovative and industry-driven agricultural programs. As an agri-smart college, Lakeland College offers hands-on learning experiences through its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Student-Managed Farm, which has garnered international acclaim and has been the envy of the world for its unique blend of academic rigor and real-world application. With partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and research institutions, Lakeland College prepares students for successful careers in the agricultural sector, staying at the forefront of agricultural innovation through its collaborative approach.
Mrs. Janice Tranberg
President and CEO of both the Alberta and Canadian Cattle Feeders' Associations
The National Cattle Feeders Association is a leading organization in the Canadian cattle industry. This organization collaborates and partners with stakeholders to strengthen the Canadian beef industry. Janice advocates for cattle feeders on key policies and economic issues impacting the competitiveness of beef production in Alberta and Canada. With a distinguished career spanning research, government, and industry, Janice was the Executive Director of SaskCanola, Assistant Deputy Minister of Regulatory and Innovation for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, vice president of Western Canada for CropLife Canada, and Communications and Regulatory Affairs Director with Ag-West Bio. Janice sits on several industry and community Boards and committees, including the industry co-chair of the AAFC Animal Protein Roundtable. Recently, Janice was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal for her vocal and effective advocacy for the livestock industry in Alberta and Canada.