Agric can create 10k jobs/yr for youth – Expert

As many as 10,000 jobs could be created in the agriculture sector for Ghana’s youth every year, the Executive Director of Agri-Impact Consult, Dan Acquaye, has said.

The Agri-business expert believes a little focus and investment in the agriculture sector by government will make it possible.

At a two-day training programme sponsored by the Skills Development Fund (SDF) and organised by Agri-Impact Consult (AIC) for young farmers from across the country, Acquaye wondered why the country spends US$60 Million annually to import onions – an investment that can create 10,000 jobs for young farmers, with an annual income of US$6,000 each.

Currently, Ghana is the second highest tomato paste importer in the World while the West African country’s own tomato factories have insufficient raw materials to process.

Acquaye says he’s puzzled by Ghana’s importation of Green Beans and Lettuce when they could be easily grown locally.

He said the government alone cannot provide the needed value chain finance required for agricultural development and called on government to attract domestic private investors to deepen investment in production, processing, logistics and service delivery to build on infrastructures that have been provided by government.

Acquaye urged the government to outline clear processes toward fostering public-private partnerships, as well as reducing the frustrations private businesses encounter in their bid to partner the government in executing business ventures.