The John A. Kufuor Foundation has organised a Youth-in-Agribusiness Festival to develop a level of network for sharing ideas among the youth interested in the agriculture sector, under the auspices of His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, former President of Ghana. The theme of the festival was: “Youth in Agribusiness in Ghana – The Story so far and way forward.”
Jeffrey Agyemang Duah, Convener of the Youth-in-Agribusiness Festival, explained that, the aim of the Foundation was to bring young people who were doing so well in the agribusiness sector together, for them to change ideas and share lessons learnt to develop some level of network across the agricultural value chain.
He noted that, the avenue was to use their success stories to motivate others who, for other reasons, do not see any benefit in agribusiness sector. According to him, the Foundation was aimed at exposing them to what goes on in the agribusiness value chain over the years, saying the value chain within the agribusiness presented enormous opportunities, which the young people were not aware of.
According to him, agriculture was now a business, while there was a business within the value chain from production, marketing to transportation, hence, involving young people, as modernising agriculture starts with young people, who had ideas and were able to adopt new concepts.
He disclosed that young people were more innovative and more sophisticated to adapt to technological concepts, hence, the need to encourage them to take advantage of the money-making aspects.
Professor Baffuor Agyeman-Duah, Chief Executive Officer of the John A. Kufuor Foundation, stated that, the Foundation created a platform, bringing the young people together, and facilitated those young people who were interested in the agribusiness sector, in terms of training and financial assistance.
He said the Foundation’s vision and intention was to organise annual events to enable them change their fortunes.
Professor Agyeman-Duah stated that, the willingness of the young people, through agribusiness, would enhance their efforts when they assume leadership roles. He entreated policy makers and stakeholders to join hands in helping the young men, and women especially, into the agribusiness sector.
