Volta Youth in Agriculture commends Agric Minister Eric Opoku for advancing Ghana’s agricultural growth

The Volta Youth in Agriculture has congratulated the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, for what it describes as dedicated leadership and tireless commitment to strengthening agricultural production and transforming Ghana’s food systems.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Joy Fiamawle, the group praised the Minister for championing policies that make agriculture more productive, resilient and attractive—particularly to young people seeking sustainable livelihoods.

According to the group, Hon. Opoku’s focus on boosting food production, supporting farmers, expanding agricultural value chains and empowering youth participation marks a significant step toward building a stronger and more sustainable agricultural economy.

“For us at the Volta Youth in Agriculture, agriculture is not merely an economic activity; it is a powerful vehicle for job creation, youth empowerment, food security, poverty reduction and national development,” the statement said.

The group commended ongoing initiatives aimed at improving access to inputs, irrigation, mechanisation, markets, technology and other essential resources needed to increase productivity. It noted that with the right support, Ghanaian youth can become the next generation of commercial farmers, agribusiness owners, processors, exporters and agricultural innovators.

While congratulating the Minister, the group also urged the Ministry to continue prioritising youth-led agriculture, especially in regions such as the Volta Region, where there is vast potential in crop production, livestock, aquaculture, agro-processing and agribusiness.

The statement emphasised the need for a deliberate national programme that provides young farmers with access to land, affordable financing, improved seeds, mechanisation, extension services, storage facilities, processing centres and guaranteed markets.

It further highlighted the importance of strengthening linkages between farmers and institutional buyers—including schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and food processors—to create sustainable markets for locally produced commodities.

“There should equally be initiatives to secure markets for youth engaged in cassava production, as many are becoming discouraged due to the lack of buyers,” the group added.

The Volta Youth in Agriculture assured the Minister of its readiness to collaborate with government and other stakeholders to promote agriculture among the youth. It reiterated its belief that agriculture remains a viable pathway to prosperity.

“We are confident that with sustained leadership, collaboration and investment, Ghana can significantly reduce its dependence on imported food, increase domestic production and build a competitive agricultural sector capable of feeding the nation and creating wealth for its people.”

The group once again extended warm congratulations to Hon. Eric Opoku, expressing optimism that the future of Ghanaian agriculture is bright under his leadership—and that the youth must remain central to this transformation.