Agri-Impact Group Founder Daniel Acquaye Appointed Chairman of CSIR–Crops Research Institute Board

In a significant move for Ghana’s agricultural sector, Dr. (h.c) Daniel Fahene Acquaye, the founder and CEO of Agri-Impact Group, has been appointed Chairman of the CSIR–Crops Research Institute (CRI) Management Board. His official inauguration took place on February 19, 2026, in Kumasi. This appointment bridges a critical gap between cutting-edge agricultural research and market-driven commercialization, positioning a seasoned agribusiness leader to guide one of the nation’s premier research institutions.

Key Points at a Glance

• Strategic Appointment: Dr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, a renowned agribusiness expert, is now Chairman of the CSIR-CRI Management Board.
• Board’s Core Mandate: The eight-member board will oversee research priorities, budget, commercialization efforts, and private-sector partnerships to enhance CRI’s national impact.
• Proven Track Record: Dr. Acquaye has a 30+ year career transforming African agriculture, scaling medicinal plant exports from $3M to $25M, and pioneering climate-smart greenhouse farming.
• Youth & Economic Focus: His leadership at Agri-Impact Group has mobilized over $100M in agribusiness ventures and aims to create 300,000+ youth jobs in Ghana.
• Policy Influence: His work has directly contributed to shaping Ghana’s National Agribusiness Policy, Poultry Masterplan, and rice sector framework.
• Symbolic Integration: This role formalizes the collaboration between private-sector agribusiness innovation and public-sector agricultural research, a model critical for national food security and economic diversification.

Background: The Players and The Stakes

Dr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye: A Profile in Agricultural Transformation

Dr. Acquaye is not merely an entrepreneur but a systems-change agent in African agribusiness. His expertise spans value chain development, youth empowerment, and market access for specialty crops. His career is distinguished by several landmark achievements:

• Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Revolution: Through his initiative, Agribusiness in Sustainable Natural African Plant Products (ASNAPP), he established partnerships with institutions like Rutgers University and KNUST. This led to the creation of a KNUST Genebank, cultivation of Cryptolepis for the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, and the commercial launch of products like kombo butter, Lippia tea, and Artemisia annua. The export value of these medicinal plants under his guidance grew from $3 million to $25 million within four years, demonstrating the power of science-based, market-oriented approaches.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture Pioneer: He introduced and scaled commercial greenhouse farming models in Ghana through Agri-Impact Ventures (now Agri-Impact Group). This technology ensures year-round production, reduces climate vulnerability, and creates premium market access. The Fresh Logistics subsidiary now manages these greenhouse farms, focusing on high-value vegetables for both domestic and export markets, while prioritizing employment for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Policy Architect: Agri-Impact Group has partnered with Ghanaian ministries to co-develop foundational policies, including the National Agribusiness Policy (with MoTAI), the Poultry Masterplan, and the rice sector policy framework (with MoFA). This shows his influence extends from enterprise to national strategy.
• Global Consultant & Networker: He has advised major multilateral organizations (Mastercard Foundation, USAID, AfDB, African Union, etc.) across more than 30 countries, bringing a global perspective to local challenges.
• Academic Recognition: His contributions earned him a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from KNUST, cementing his status as a thought leader.

CSIR-Crops Research Institute: Ghana’s Agricultural R&D Powerhouse

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is Ghana’s foremost public-sector R&D body. Its Crops Research Institute (CRI), based in Kumasi, is a cornerstone of national food security. Its mandate includes developing improved crop varieties (e.g., drought-tolerant maize, disease-resistant cassava), sustainable production technologies, and providing scientific backing for agricultural policy. Historically, a common challenge for such institutes is the “valley of death” between research breakthroughs and commercial adoption by farmers and industry. The Management Board’s role is crucial in navigating this gap by setting strategic direction, securing funding, and forging partnerships.

Analysis: Why This Appointment Matters

1. Bridging the Research-Commercialization Divide

The most immediate implication of Dr. Acquaye’s appointment is the direct infusion of private-sector, market-driven logic into the governance of a public research institute. His background is not in fundamental plant biology but in applied value chains, market linkage, and enterprise development. This aligns perfectly with the board’s stated duty to “adopt applied research and commercialization.” He can help ensure CRI’s research portfolio addresses not just scientific excellence but also market viability, farmer affordability, and scalability. For example, a new drought-tolerant maize variety is only impactful if seed systems can multiply and distribute it affordably. Dr. Acquaye’s network with input suppliers, processors, and exporters can help design research with end-use in mind from the outset.

2. Strengthening Governance and Resource Mobilization

The board provides “budget and growth oversight.” Dr. Acquaye’s experience mobilizing over $100 million in agribusiness ventures for Agri-Impact Group suggests he possesses significant skills in financial structuring, proposal development, and partnership brokering. This is vital for CSIR-CRI, which often relies on constrained government funding and competitive donor grants. His ability to articulate the commercial potential of research could unlock new funding streams from impact investors, development finance institutions, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs within the agribusiness sector he represents.

3. Catalyzing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

The board is tasked to “foster private business environment partnership.” Dr. Acquaye is a natural conduit for this. His company, Agri-Impact Group, already operates across the value chain—from input supply (potentially including improved seeds) to production (greenhouses) to logistics and export. His chairmanship can facilitate structured PPPs where CRI provides the scientific backbone (e.g., developing a new variety for greenhouse production) and Agri-Impact Group provides the market offtake, production technology, and distribution network. This de-risks innovation for both parties and accelerates technology adoption.

4. Elevating Ghana’s Agro-Industrial Ambitions

Ghana’s economic strategy heavily emphasizes agro-industrialization—adding value to raw commodities. Dr. Acquaye’s work with medicinal plants and specialty crops is a prime example of this. His leadership at CRI can steer research towards crops with high value-addition potential (e.g., unique fruits for processing, medicinal herbs for pharmaceutical extraction, heritage grains for premium markets). This aligns with national goals to increase non-traditional exports and create higher-quality jobs beyond primary production.

5. A Model for Institutional Innovation

This appointment is a test case for a broader model: placing seasoned private-sector practitioners on the boards of public research institutions. It challenges the traditional, often insular, governance of research bodies. If successful, it could be replicated across other CSIR institutes (e.g., Soil Research, Animal Research) and even within ministries, fostering a more cohesive national innovation system where research is continuously informed by and oriented towards market and policy realities.

Practical Advice: Lessons for Agribusinesses and Entrepreneurs

Dr. Acquaye’s journey from entrepreneur to board chair offers a blueprint for others in the sector:

For Agribusiness Owners and Startups:

• Build Science-Based Partnerships: Don’t just buy inputs; co-develop solutions with research institutes. Approach CSIR-CRI or university departments with specific market problems (e.g., “We need a tomato variety that thrives in greenhouse conditions with shelf-life for export”). Frame collaboration as a joint value-creation exercise.
• Leverage Policy Engagement: Dr. Acquaye’s role in drafting national policies shows that influencing the enabling environment is as important as operational success. Agribusiness associations should actively participate in policy review committees, providing data and field evidence to shape sensible regulations on trade, standards, and investment.
• Pursue Niche, High-Value Markets: The medicinal plant success story highlights the profitability of moving beyond bulk commodities. Identify underutilized indigenous species or specialized products with unique selling propositions (USP) for export or premium domestic markets. Invest in quality assurance, certification (organic, fair trade), and storytelling.
• Adopt and Advocate for Climate-Smart Tech: Greenhouse farming is capital-intensive but offers resilience and consistency. Explore financing models (leases, PPPs) to access such technology. Advocate for government incentives for climate-smart agriculture adoption.

For Youth and Aspiring Agriculturists:

• Focus on the Entire Value Chain: Opportunities exist far beyond farming—in processing, packaging, logistics, quality control, marketing, and agri-tech services. Dr. Acquaye’s model creates jobs across these nodes.
• Seek Mentorship and Networks: His career shows the power of aligning with established institutions (CSIR, universities) and international bodies. Engage with programs like the Mastercard Foundation’s youth employment initiatives he leads.
• Combine Passion with Professional Skills: Success requires blending agricultural knowledge with business acumen, digital literacy, and an understanding of international trade rules. Pursue training in agribusiness management, not just crop science.

For Research Scientists and Institutions:

• Develop a Commercialization Mindset: Include market analysis, business model validation, and partner identification in project proposals. Understand that impact is measured by adoption, not just publications.
• Engage Proactively with the Private Sector: Create formal liaison units within institutes to manage industry relationships. Offer flexible IP sharing agreements that incentivize private investment in scaling research outputs.
• Communicate in Business Language: When presenting to boards or funders, speak in terms of ROI, job creation, export earnings, and risk mitigation, alongside scientific merit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CRI)?

It is a leading research institute under Ghana’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), headquartered in Kumasi. Its core mission is to conduct research on food and industrial crops to develop improved varieties and production technologies that enhance food security, farmer incomes, and industrial raw material availability.

What is the role of the Management Board Chairman?

The Chairman provides strategic leadership and governance oversight. Key responsibilities include: approving research strategies and priorities; overseeing financial management and resource mobilization; guiding the institute’s commercialization and partnership agenda; and representing the institute at high-level national and international forums. The role is pivotal in setting the institute’s direction and ensuring its accountability.

How does Dr. Acquaye’s background uniquely qualify him for this role?

Unlike traditional scientists or administrators, Dr. Acquaye brings decades of hands-on experience in building agribusiness enterprises that directly utilize research outputs. He understands the challenges of market access, scaling production, navigating export regulations, and developing bankable projects. This practical, market-oriented experience is precisely what is needed to translate CRI’s scientific discoveries into tangible economic impact and widespread adoption by farmers and industries.

What are the potential tangible outcomes of his chairmanship?

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