In a sobering address, Yaw Frimpong Addo, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture responsible for Crops, has raised concerns over the diminishing enthusiasm among Ghanaian youth towards agriculture, citing it as a potential catalyst for an impending food shortage crisis in the nation.

Speaking at the formal inauguration of Agrigatefarm, an innovative agricultural learning platform aimed at combating unemployment by providing free training, Addo emphasized the critical role of the older generation in safeguarding agricultural practices, lamenting their gradual departure from the sector.

“The current Ghanaian youth have lost interest in pursuing agriculture as a profession due to prevalent negative perceptions,” remarked Addo during the event held at the prestigious British Council in Accra.

Addo underscored the urgency for concerted efforts to reverse this trend, highlighting the pivotal role of initiatives such as Agrigatefarm in revitalizing interest among the youth. He pledged governmental support for Agrigatefarm under the flagship Planting for Food and Jobs program, emphasizing its significance in nurturing a new generation of agriculturists.

Echoing Addo’s sentiments, Mr. Felix Appiah Nyarko, the CEO of Agricgate.farm, articulated the platform’s mission to revolutionize agriculture in Ghana, particularly among the youth. Nyarko elucidated that Agricgate.farm seeks to empower smallholder farmers and young individuals through comprehensive agricultural education and an innovative e-commerce marketplace.

Nyarko stressed the importance of collaborative efforts from stakeholders within the agricultural ecosystem, envisioning agriculture as a beacon of hope for aspiring youth, dissuading them from seeking opportunities abroad. He called upon corporate entities and individuals to lend support to Agricgate.farm, advocating for the sustainability of the program to incentivize more youth to venture into agriculture.

As Ghana navigates the complexities of modernization and economic development, the admonitions of Addo and the vision of Nyarko serve as poignant reminders of the intrinsic value of agriculture and the imperative to secure the nation’s food security for future generations.