President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch a transformative agricultural program aimed at instilling agribusiness skills in Ghanaian youth while enhancing food security and school sustainability.
Dubbed the School Farm Initiative, the program seeks to cultivate over 15,000 acres of farmland across 1,000 schools nationwide.
The official launch is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, in the Volta Region, and is expected to draw participation from key stakeholders in education, agriculture, and youth development.
The announcement was made by Dr. Peter Boamah Otukunor, Director of Agricultural Initiatives and Agribusiness at the Office of the President, during the ELIGREEN Women and Youth Agribusiness Exhibition and Summit (EWAYES 25) in Accra.
The two-day summit was held under the theme: “Breaking Barriers: Securing Market Access for Women and Youth in the Agribusiness Sector.”
Dr. Otukunor emphasized that the School Farm Initiative is part of a broader vision to integrate practical agricultural training into the school system, empowering students with hands-on skills while contributing to national food production.
He also highlighted the initiative’s potential to stimulate local economies, promote agri-entrepreneurship among young people, and create sustainable linkages between schools and agribusiness markets.
“This is not just about farming—it is about equipping the next generation with the skills, mindset, and opportunities to thrive in agriculture and agribusiness,” Dr. Otukunor noted.
“The School Farm Initiative is expected to complement ongoing national efforts to modernize agriculture, reduce youth unemployment, and build resilience in food systems.
It also aligns with the goals of EWAYES 25, which brought together women and youth leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to address barriers in agribusiness and expand market access for underrepresented groups.
The program’s rollout in schools will begin shortly after the launch, with strategic support from government agencies, development partners, and the private sector,” he concluded.
About The Author
