Mr. Yohanne Nii Armah Ashitey, the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Tema, has called on the youth of Tema to actively engage in the youth for agricultural programme, emphasizing its potential to transform agriculture into a viable commercial venture.
Speaking at the 39th Municipal Farmers Day Celebration in Tema, Mr. Armah Ashitey highlighted the significance of the initiative, aiming to motivate the youth and provide them with crucial knowledge about farming as a sustainable vocation.
“The initiative seeks to provide over 4,200 direct and indirect jobs, boosting the economy,” stated Mr. Armah Ashitey, underlining the economic impact of encouraging youth participation in agriculture.
Addressing the critical role of fishermen and farmers in sustaining the nation's food supply and security, he emphasized the theme of the celebration, “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience.”
Mr. Armah Ashitey stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder partnership involving the Government, academia, and the private sector to support small-scale farmers and the entire agricultural value chain.
“Security and resilience in the agricultural sector are paramount for several reasons, such as guiding livelihood and economic growth.
Our farmers, who are the heroes of our food production, rely on a secured and resilient environment to sustain their families and contribute to national development,” he asserted.
Encouraging farmers to embrace smart solutions, he emphasized the role of modern science and technology in increasing crop yields and implementing food preservation techniques.
Mr. Armah Ashitey also highlighted the launch of phase two of the planning for the food and jobs initiative, focusing on self-sufficiency, sustainable food security, import substitution, and income generation.
He urged farmers to support the government's goals of maintaining food security, reducing imports, promoting exports, and creating job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
