NYA Strengthens Partnership with AGRA to Empower Ghanaian Youth in Agriculture

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Arc. Osman Abdulai Ayariga Esq., has announced that the government, through the NYA, is set to alleviate poverty among the youth through agriculture. He emphasized that it is incumbent upon both the government and the NYA to empower young people in the agricultural sector, enabling them to become self-sufficient.

Mr. Ayariga made these remarks during a courtesy call on the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), accompanied by some NYA directors and staff. The meeting aimed to strengthen existing ties and explore collaborative efforts to empower young women and the Ghanaian youth.

He thanked AGRA for the support they offered NYA during last year’s international youth conference which brought together about 2,000 young people. And further called for maximum support to train more youth in the agricultural sector. "Coincidentally, the President is a seasoned farmer, and so his heart desires to see many young people go into agribusiness and see agriculture as a thriving business venture”.  He also expressed hopes for larger collaborative projects between NYA and AGRA, focusing on farming, processing, packaging, and branding of agricultural products.

According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census by the Ghana Statistical Service, 60.5% of young people (aged 15-35) reside in urban areas, where agricultural activities are minimal compared to rural regions. A 2021 Heifer International Report also revealed that only 5% of Ghanaian youth are engaged in agriculture. Mr. Ayariga emphasized the importance of making agriculture attractive to the youth to reverse these trends.

Dr. Betty Simawua Annan, AGRA's Country Director, outlined their vision and activities supporting young women and the youth. She emphasized that the NYA is a critical partner in their work and reiterated AGRA's commitment to the authority. Betty Annan noted that the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has also highlighted that the NYA oversees all youth interventions in Ghana, underscoring the need to support them.

Dr. Annan expressed AGRA's willingness to strengthen their partnership with the NYA and explore additional avenues to support the new ministry. She mentioned that AGRA is ready to assist in designing a policy framework for the ministry, and if possible, continue working with the existing national youth policy.

Adding to the discussion, AGRA's Country Programs Lead, John Jagwe, underscored the importance of the partnership between AGRA and NYA. He expressed a desire to see an increase in rice and soy production over the next five years in Ghana and mentioned the investment AGRA has made in seed-sowing systems and fertilizer anchor farms, where buyers stimulate the entire value chain.

This renewed collaboration between NYA and AGRA signifies a shared commitment to empowering Ghanaian youth through agriculture, aiming to create sustainable economic opportunities and drive national development.