President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo champions youth engagement in agriculture, urging the formation of cooperatives to optimize benefits from the Youth in Agriculture programme amid financial constraints.
During a recent Accra conference, Akufo-Addo emphasized partnership as a key to securing larger-scale financing for productive initiatives. This event, a collaboration between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Youth Employment Agency, highlighted innovative strategies for youth involvement in agriculture.
According to a report by Graphic Online, Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong revealed a $40 million redirection from a World Bank resilience program to aid farmers devastated by flood-related dam spillages. “This restructuring,” Acheampong explained, “is an immediate response to revitalize the affected farmlands.”
Discussing program benefits, President Akufo-Addo identified vast youth opportunities in value chain development, praising the innovative platform and reaffirming government support.
Citing the 2021 census, he noted that youth represent 50% of Ghana’s population, necessitating empowering strategies for sustainable national growth. Neglecting this, he warned, invites social unrest and economic instability, with widespread illiteracy, unemployment, and potential national security threats.
“My administration prioritizes youth-oriented development programs, enhancing intellectual, entrepreneurial, and employment prospects,” Akufo-Addo asserted, referencing significant educational reforms and skill-building initiatives.
Despite these efforts, youth unemployment persists as a grave concern. However, Akufo-Addo remains optimistic, pointing to the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs. “PFJ 2.0 tackles marketing issues and post-harvest losses, offering no excuses for youth reluctance in agriculture,” he stressed.
Agriculture awaits energetic participation from both educated and unskilled youth, the President remarked, disclosing upcoming training for 2,000 individuals in digital skills and 20,000 artisans in various trades.
Additionally, 15,000 youth will receive business management training. Echoing this, Employment Minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah spoke on national stability’s ties to youth well-being, pledging relentless pursuit of sustainable employment avenues for the burgeoning youth population.
