Empowering the Youth Is the Key to Revitalizing Ghana’s Agricultural Economy

Ghana stands at a crossroads where the path to sustainable economic prosperity is not paved by urban industrialisation alone, but by the untapped potential of its fertile soil.

According to Mr. Kwaku Boahene, popularly known as Osofo Kwaku and Chairman of the Cocoa and Cashew Farmers Association of Jinijini in the Berekum West District of the Bono Region, the nation’s economic salvation lies in rebranding agriculture as a lucrative venture for the youth.

The Migration Crisis Is a Symptom of Agricultural Neglect

Osofo Kwaku expressed deep concern about the growing trend of what he described as “useless travelling,” where desperate young Ghanaians risk their lives on perilous journeys to foreign lands in search of non‑existent white‑collar jobs.

He stressed that this exodus is a direct consequence of the persistent neglect of the agricultural sector. Speaking during the launch of his association, he noted that when farming is perceived as a struggle—characterised by high labour costs and the absence of a ready market—it ceases to be an attractive career choice for the youth.

A Recipe for Economic Growth

For agriculture to become the engine of Ghana’s economic transformation, the Chairman proposes a three‑pronged approach that government must adopt to encourage youth participation:

1. Access to Affordable Credit

High interest rates on loans have crippled many farming initiatives.

Osofo Kwaku strongly advocates for soft loans with reasonable interest rates to enable young farmers to purchase modern equipment and expand their operations.

2. Guaranteed Markets and Fair Pricing

One of the greatest frustrations for Ghanaian farmers, he explained, is the inability to find a ready market for their harvest at attractive prices.

He noted that establishing a structured market system would ensure that farmers’ efforts are rewarded, making agriculture predictable and profitable.

3. Modernising the Sector

He insisted that to move agriculture from a subsistence activity to a commercial powerhouse, government must provide the necessary facilities, infrastructure, and technology to enhance productivity.

From Unemployment to Abundance

Osofo Kwaku believes that if these conditions are met, the dual problems of youth unemployment and food insecurity will be addressed simultaneously.

“When we provide the necessary facilities, we don’t just curb the migration crisis; we produce food in abundance to feed our population, with enough surplus to export and generate foreign exchange for the country,” he said.

A Call to Action

He described the current state of farming—marked by the “canker” of systemic challenges—as discouraging.

However, he believes it is not too late to reverse the trend.

Osofo Kwaku’s appeal to government is a clarion call to prioritise the agricultural sector as a matter of national security and economic urgency.

By investing in the youth and addressing the structural barriers in the cocoa and cashew industries, Ghana can transform its economic landscape and unlock the full potential of its agricultural economy.

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