The Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, had a rare opportunity at the ongoing World Coffee Producers Forum underway in Medellin, Columbia, when he was recognised by the former President of the United States of America, Mr. Bill Clinton.
The former US President and Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto engaged in a hearty chat to the surprise of many participants at the International Conference.
Hon. Owusu Afriyie, a global figure in the coffee industry, is a Special Guest at the Conference which is discussing global commodity and the role of markets in determining the living standards of small farmers around the world.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana worked with International Coffee Organization (ICO) as an Economist, Senior Economist, Principal Economist and Chief Economic Advisor for eighteen years in the 1970s and 80s
He also worked as a Consultant to the World Bank, United Nations on Soft Commodities, including Coffee.
The former US President Bill Clinton, in a tête a tête with the Food and Agriculture Minister of Ghana, expressed joy at meeting the Minister at the conference and.
He recalled his last visit to Ghana during his time as President, stressing that he would never forget the mammoth rally held in his honour at the Black Star Square, describing it as one of the biggest he had ever attended
President Bill Clinton further indicated his appreciation of the persistent reports in the international media about the performance of the President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo-led administration in the first six months of his tenure.
Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto also had a chat with the President of Columbia, H.E Jose Manuel Santos, with whom he worked closely with at the ICO in the 1990s.
The two exchanged information about their former colleagues in London and the tremendous efforts the ICO made in supporting world price of coffee during that period.
