52,547 young women trained in agric value chain

 A total of 52,547 young women have been pro­vided with training in agricultural value chain under the Harnessing Agricultural Produc­tivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Programme, the Depu­ty Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agri Impact Limited, Mrs Juliana Asante-Dartey, has disclosed.

Out of the number, she said 34,690 beneficiaries were current­ly employed in rice production, while 1,907 young women were working in the poultry sector.

Speaking at this year’s Inter­national Women’s Day celebra­tion at the Aglow Processing Factory at Gomoa Potsin in the Central Region on Monday, Mrs Asante-Dartey revealed that the HAPPY programme had been a game changer for young women in agriculture.

Additionally, Mrs Asante-Dart­ey said so far, 71,722 young women had registered for the programme with 30,414 join­ing in 2024. With over 42,686 young women have been trained, equipping them with the skills to innovate and excel in agribusiness

“Women make up a signifi­cant portion of the agricultural workforce globally, contributing to food security and economic growth. Despite their contribu­tions, women often face barriers such as limited access to resourc­es, training, and opportunities,” she said.

She continued “At Agri-Impact, we recognise the transformative power of investing in women, especially young women, to drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Young women are also making strides in soybean, tomato, and cross-cutting agricul­tural activities, showcasing their versatility and leadership.”

Mrs Asante-Dartey mentioned that women were transforming agriculture, creating jobs, and improving food security.

She said inclusion of women was essential for achieving equity and sustainable development.

A board member of Agri Im­pact Group and a Senior Research Development Officer at the University of Ghana, Ms Maamie Nyamekye Hutchful Nortey, stat­ed that more than 50 per cent of women were in the agri-business making significant impact.

The Executive Director of Aglow Farms Limited, Nana Boakye, in his remarks noted he was excited that women were be­ing celebrated as a results of their impact in the agricultural impact to recognise and commemorate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women here in Ghana and worldwide.

Mr Boakye said there had been a massive progress towards gender equality, and equity, while recognising that a lot more needs to be done.

“We will celebrate women’s achievements, challenge gender stereotypes, and promote a culture of equality and respect, he added.

This year’s International Women’s Day was on the theme: ‘Accelerating inclusion of young women and persons with disabil­ities to drive innovation and a thriving agribusiness sector.’

The International Women’s day is celebrated on March 8, every year to commemorate women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women’s rights movement.

The HAPPY Programme is a Four year partnership between Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited, which aims to create 326,000 dignified jobs for Ghanaian youth, particularly young women and persons with disabilities in agriculture with­in four years with the focus on boosting productivity in the rice, soybean, tomato, and poultry value chains.

The programme targets youth aged 15-35 and is implemented by an eight-member consortium, comprising Newage Agric Solu­tions, National Service Authori­ty(NSA), Ghana CARES (MiDA), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ministry of Food and Ag­riculture (MOFA), TechnoServe Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Jobberman.

The Programme was attended by students of Potin T I Ahami­ydia SHS, Federation of Persons with Disability (GFD) and the Nifa Hemaa of Gomoa Potsin, Nana Aba Akyere I.

 FROM PRECIOUS NYAR­KO-BOAKYE, GOMOA POTSIN