Young farmer and founder of Akro Farms, Rodge Gyabaah Yeboah, has called on financial institutions and national stakeholders to rethink their perception of agriculture, describing the sector as one of the most secure and scalable investments in Ghana today.
“Farming is not a risk. I can go into a contract with anyone and guarantee delivery,” he stated during an episode on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Araba Koomson.
Mr. Gyabaah Yeboah, who runs his irrigation-powered farm near the Bui Dam in the Bono Region, says the issue is not a lack of interest in farming, but rather a lack of structured support. “Imagine feeding 500 people from one farm. If we had just ten more like Akro Farms, that’s 5,000 people sorted. Food should not be a national crisis,” he said.
The trained electrical engineer transitioned to full-time farming, utilizing drip and overhead irrigation systems that he funded 90 percent from his savings. He currently grows okra and pepper, and plans to add onions in the coming season. “Drip irrigation saves water and avoids fungi growth, but it’s expensive. Most young people can’t afford it without help,” he explained.
He also raised alarm over the impact of illegal mining on agriculture, especially its effect on human resources. “You need people to work on a farm, but many young men are abandoning agriculture to chase quick money from galamsey,” he said. “They don’t realize it’s destroying the land we all depend on.”
Mr. Gyabaah Yeboah encouraged the youth to consider agriculture not just as a fallback, but as a legitimate path to financial freedom. “If you want to be stable and build something lasting, start small, get the right knowledge, and farm. It’s better than fraud or illegal mining.”
About Ghana Grows Edwuma
Ghana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors.