FDA

Hights Enterprise Limited, an agribusiness, is transforming agricultural livelihoods in Ghana’s Upper East Region through value addition, women empowerment, and sustainable agribusiness practices, according to its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Akayeti Naamlebna. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the launch of the Springboard Road Show 2025 in Bolgatanga, Naamlebna said the idea for Hights Enterprise was inspired by his work with women farmer groups in rural communities. “I realized that supporting women only to produce raw materials was not enough. When you add value to crops, you create jobs and make a real impact,” he said. The trained finance professional, Naamlebna explained that Hights Enterprise was established to lead in value addition within the region’s agriculture sector. “The company focuses mainly on the edible oil value chain, producing cold-pressed groundnut, sesame, and baobab oils sourced from local farmers,” he added. He said the oils are produced using natural methods and have become popular among diverse consumer groups in Ghana. Hights Enterprise is certified by the Food and Drugs Authority and is in the process of securing additional certification from the Ghana Standards Authority. Beyond oils, the company also processes baobab and hibiscus powders, as well as smoked guinea fowl, all made from locally sourced raw materials. “We started with 500 women farmers and have grown to 2,000 across the Upper East and Northeast regions,” Naamlebna said. Through partnerships with the GIZ Invest for Jobs initiative, Cosmos Innovation, and the Mastercard Foundation’s Bridging Agriculture Program, Hights Enterprise has received capacity-building and equipment support to strengthen its operations. Naamlebna explained that the women farmers, mostly out-growers, benefit from training, cooperative registration, and access to guaranteed markets. “We offtake everything they produce, so they don’t have to worry about where to sell,” he emphasized. The company also promotes environmentally friendly practices by using by-products from processing to produce organic manure. It is currently exploring the development of a biogas project to reduce reliance on firewood and improve rural energy access. Looking ahead, Naamlebna shared plans to expand into large-scale processing and export within the next five years. “We want to be a major player in the oil value chain and in value addition for northern products. Adding value creates jobs and reduces post-harvest losses,” he stated. He encouraged young people to explore opportunities within agriculture. “We are surrounded by opportunities, but if you don’t think, you won’t realize them. Positive thinking attracts positive results,” he advised. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. By Genevieve Mensah