AGRA Ghana Calls for Youth Empowerment in Agriculture
The Country Director of AGRA Ghana, Dr Betty Annan, has highlighted the need to remove barriers that prevent young people from entering the agricultural sector, particularly in adopting new technologies and innovations.
She said that these barriers could serve as significant obstacles for the youth, discouraging them from exploring agriculture as a viable career path.
Speaking at the Youth and Food Systems Transformation Policy Convening 2024 held in Accra on Tuesday she emphasised the critical role of the youth in transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The event was held on the theme “Empowering Youth for Decent Jobs and Climate-Resilient Systems in Ghana.”
It was organised by AGRA in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the National Youth Authority (NYA).
It sought to among others foster meaningful dialogue among the youth, policymakers, private sector players, and other stakeholders and raise awareness on available opportunities in agriculture for young people to engage.
Dr Annan stressed that the programme’s objective was also to amplify the voices of young people, create a conducive policy environment, and ultimately generate job opportunities.
She acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation and other governmental bodies, in empowering the youth.
She urged the young people to be proactive in driving change within the agricultural sector.
Dr Annan also encouraged them to dream big and take decisive actions.
“Be the change agent in our agricultural transformation,” she urged, reinforcing the importance of youth involvement in national development.
The Country Director for the Mastercard Foundation, Rica Rwigamba, in her remarks underscored the importance of creating dignified job opportunities for the youth.
She highlighted the Foundation’s initiatives aimed at providing millions of young people in Ghana with access to decent employment.
“It is crucial for everyone to have access to quality education, irrespective of their background,” Rwigamba added.
She stressed on Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to education as a fundamental pillar for youth empowerment
She further explained that financial empowerment of the youth was essential for enabling the youth to build their ideas and create sustainable livelihoods.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr Pius Enam Hadzide, praised AGRA for its initiatives in coaching the youth on how to excel in agribusiness.
He emphasised that AGRA’s contributions to making agriculture an attractive and viable venture could not be underestimated.
Mr Hadzide assured that the NYA would continue its efforts to empower the youth across all sectors.
In a speech read on his behalf, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making agriculture appealing to the youth.
The Minister touched on the importance of the second phase of the “Planting for Food and Jobs” programme, which also focuses on creating opportunities for young people interested in agribusiness.
He urged the youth to approach their careers with passion, determination, and resilience, as these qualities were essential for progress.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU