Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Project Lead of the Nkabom Collaborative, says Ghana’s agri-food sector presents endless business opportunities for young people beyond traditional farming.
Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, he explained that the initiative, headquartered at the University of Ghana, brings together six universities and partners like the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to build sustainable food systems.
“The agri-food sector is more than just farming. From production to processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption, there is a whole value chain where young people can create businesses and careers,” Prof. Aryeetey said.
He added that the program is designed to equip participants with practical skills, mentoring, and financial support. “We identified about 200 young people with business ideas, and after pitching, 100 of them received 1,000 dollars each to develop prototypes,” he revealed.
Education Pillar Lead, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, outlined the Collaborative’s training pillars, including specialized PhD and short experiential courses in sustainable food systems. “We don’t just do the talking; we engage young people hands-on through field training and industry partnerships so they gain both skills and knowledge,” he said.
He stressed that market access is a major focus. “Many times we see bumper harvests in rural areas while urban dwellers struggle to find food. We need young people who can bridge this gap, identify consumers, and link them to producers.”
The Collaborative also prioritizes inclusion. According to Prof. Aryeetey, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities are given special placement in the programs. He shared the example of a visually impaired participant who has advanced in their entrepreneurship track and is now receiving full support.
Looking ahead, Prof. Aryeetey said his biggest dream is to see young people lead Ghana’s agri-food sector. “The sector has been dominated by older people for too long. We want to see the next generation empowered, innovating, and achieving great things.”
About Springboard Hangout
Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel( YouTube ) at 4 pm.
By Faustina Yeboah