MTN gives GH₵3m digital boost to attract youth into agric -

MTN Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Ghana and Defarmercist, has officially launched a GH¢3 million Vegetable Centre of Excellence at the University of Ghana Farms, Legon. The facility is a modern agricultural training and production hub designed to reshape the way young Ghanaians perceive and participate in farming.

Empowering youth through skills and entrepreneurship

The initiative aims to equip the country’s youth with practical agricultural skills, reduce unemployment, and foster agribusiness entrepreneurship.

In its pilot phase, the project will train at least 300 young people over the next two years, providing both theoretical instruction and hands-on experience in greenhouse farming, crop production, marketing, and agribusiness management.

Graduates will also receive support in securing land, accessing farming tools, and establishing market linkages to launch their own ventures.

Technology meets agriculture

At the inauguration ceremony, MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, described the hub as “an amazing initiative” that merges classroom learning with practical experience.

He highlighted that the centre integrates training rooms, greenhouses, and expansive demonstration fields where students can apply their knowledge.

“What is really encouraging is seeing young people embrace farming. As the President has stated, we must be able to stand on our own feet—not only producing enough food for Ghana, but also for the rest of Africa and the world. When you add technology to farming, it becomes attractive to the younger generation,” Mr. Blewett said.

He noted that the hub goes beyond physical infrastructure, incorporating solar energy systems and digital tools to support precision agriculture, including smart water-management systems.

Discussions are also underway to explore digital platforms that would allow farmers to sell produce directly to consumers through e-commerce channels.

Technology as a tool for food security

Mr. Blewett emphasized the role of technology in protecting farmers and ensuring national food security, particularly as the country prepares to celebrate Farmers’ Day.

He added that initiatives like the Vegetable Hub of Excellence are critical for nurturing the next generation of agripreneurs. “Technology reduces the uncertainties traditionally associated with farming. With digital systems, farmers can monitor weather conditions, prevent pest and animal attacks, and improve distribution channels—thereby minimizing risk when investing in seeds and inputs,” he explained.

Govt support for modern agriculture

Technical Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Kwasi Etu-Bonde, said the hub aligns with the government’s agenda to modernize agriculture and create employment opportunities for the youth. According to him, the hub complements government initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme, which seeks to make agriculture attractive through training, technology adoption, and support for young entrepreneurs.

Addressing persistent challenges in the agricultural sector, including climate change, low technology adoption, and heavy competition from imports, Mr. Etu-Bonde emphasized that innovation-driven projects such as the Vegetable Hub of Excellence provide practical solutions.

Strategic partnerships driving innovation

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID), Professor Felix Ankomah Asante described the hub as a testament to what strategic partnerships can achieve.

“This initiative reflects a shared vision to elevate Ghana’s agricultural sector by merging innovation, education, and community impact,” he said.

Professor Asante highlighted that many young people, especially women, still lack access to modern agricultural technologies, skills, and market opportunities that could enhance their livelihoods.

He said the hub represents a bold step toward changing this narrative by providing equitable access to training and tools that bridge classroom learning and field practice.

“The facility creates a unique model where students and young farmers gain confidence, competence, and practical experience at every stage of the agricultural value chain,” he added, emphasizing its potential to transform agricultural education into a viable career path.

Preparing graduates for commercial agriculture

Charles Agyemang, Co-founder of Defarmercist Group Limited, underscored the vision behind the collaboration with MTN and the University of Ghana: ensuring that every student who graduates possesses employable agricultural skills.

“It’s not easy for an agriculture graduate to apply for a conventional job. So we want to ensure they come out with real skills that enable them to start production immediately,” he said.

He further stressed that the hub is open not only to University of Ghana students but to any young person seeking practical agricultural training.

“The enormous economic potential in horticulture cannot be overstated. The high volume of vegetables consumed daily, paired with unstable supply, creates profitable opportunities for those who master the skills offered at the hub,” Mr. Agyemang explained.

MTN’s commitment to sustainability and innovation

Madam Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, said the Vegetable Hub of Excellence reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to address critical challenges, including food security. She emphasized that the programme offers students a practical, technology-led learning experience tied to measurable outcomes.

“We are already seeing impact. Students are learning differently, and the outcomes will extend beyond the university. People outside will also benefit as this becomes a centre of excellence,” Madam Wiafe said.

She highlighted MTN’s environmental commitments, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote resilient agricultural systems.

“Our sustainability agenda demands that we contribute to society, the environment, and economic development. This project fits perfectly within that mission,” she added.

Madam Wiafe also clarified that MTN is not venturing into farming as a business but is partnering to support national priorities. “Whatever is a national priority must also be an MTN priority. That is why we are supporting agriculture. We believe in partnerships to scale impact,” she said.

Concluding her address, Madam Wiafe urged partners and students to sustain the momentum of the initiative. “We must nurture this vision and make the impact we are talking about. MTN is ready to support any idea that promotes development,” she said.

A bold step toward technology-driven agriculture

The Vegetable Hub of Excellence is part of MTN Ghana’s broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on empowering communities through digital transformation, skills development, and climate-smart initiatives, signaling a decisive step toward making agriculture an attractive, technology-driven career for the nation’s youth.