GEA CEO Margaret Ansei Empowers 100 Youth with Rice Processing Start-Up Kits in Upper East

One hundred young graduates of the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Programme in the Upper East Region have received start-up kits to begin their entrepreneurial journey in rice processing.

The beneficiaries, who successfully completed an intensive skills training programme, were presented with the equipment in Bolgatanga as part of efforts to promote youth employment, agribusiness development and food security.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Mrs. Margaret Ansei, popularly known as Magoo, announced the milestone in a Facebook post, describing the moment as one of the most rewarding aspects of her leadership.

According to her, the achievement reflects the strength of strategic partnerships between the Ghana Enterprises Agency, the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited, whose combined efforts continue to create practical opportunities for young people across the agricultural value chain.

“The HAPPY Programme creates practical pathways for young people across production, processing, advisory services, distribution and marketing, driving job creation, improving productivity and strengthening food security nationwide,” she stated.

Mrs. Ansei noted that the initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader national agenda, which prioritizes practical job creation, increased local production and the development of resilient agricultural value chains.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the GEA Chief Executive emphasized that the equipment handed over symbolized confidence, responsibility and possibility. She urged the young entrepreneurs to use the resources purposefully, continuously improve their skills and take full advantage of the support systems available to them.

She also expressed appreciation to traditional authorities, local government officials and stakeholders who supported the programme, with special mention of the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Roland Ayo Atanga.

Mrs. Ansei reaffirmed GEA’s commitment to empowering young people to build sustainable livelihoods, adding that initiatives such as the HAPPY Programme are critical to strengthening Ghana’s agricultural future.

The HAPPY Programme is designed to equip young graduates with hands-on, market-ready skills while providing them with the tools needed to transition from training into viable agribusiness ventures.