The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agri-Impact Limited, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, has strongly advocated for increased investment in Ghana's youth to unlock their full potential and drive national development.

He made this appeal during an event at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Monday, August 12, 2024, to mark International Youth Day.

Speaking on the theme, "Revolutionizing Agriculture through Digital Innovations to Create Jobs for Youth," Mr. Acquaye emphasized the importance of empowering young people through substantial investments.

"Let us remember that the power of youth is unparalleled," he stated. "They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today, and we must make the necessary investments to fully unearth their potential."

He urged the youth to seize opportunities in the agricultural sector, highlighting their role as Ghana's greatest resource. "Investment in their creative minds, innovation, energy, boldness, determination, and resilience will undoubtedly lead to economic transformation," Mr. Acquaye added.

He also called on the youth to pursue their passions and use their talents to contribute to the nation's progress.

"To all the young people, this day is for you. It is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements, share your stories, ideas, and connect with one another. Be inspired by today’s event, pursue your passion, use your talents to build a better world," he encouraged.

The event, attended by over 700 youth from various educational institutions, also saw the launch of the Young Agri-Innovators Challenge, a $20,000 competition aimed at supporting young people aged 15 to 25 in launching businesses or solutions within Ghana’s agricultural sector.

In addition to Mr. Acquaye's remarks, the event featured a keynote address by Nana Owusu-Achau, Chief Farmer at AgroKings, who highlighted the dominance of foreign companies in Ghana's food systems.

"We have a real issue at hand. In this country, our food systems are controlled by foreigners, and that is a problem," he stated, urging Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to take control of the nation's food production.

Nana Yaw Sarpong Otuo Siriboe I, Akyempimhene of the Juaben Traditional Area and CEO of Siriboe Farms, also addressed the youth, encouraging them to consider agriculture as a sustainable means of livelihood. He urged them to think big but start small, sharing his own experience of success through farming.

The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, commended the efforts of Agri-Impact and the Mastercard Foundation in supporting youth initiatives.

She emphasized the need to focus on agriculture and agribusiness, coupled with digital innovation, to address the challenge of youth unemployment in Ghana.

"Unemployment remains a challenge across the globe," Prof. Dickson noted. "It therefore calls for an all-hands-on-deck approach to solving the problem."

Prof. Dickson further suggested that school farms should be seen as opportunities for students to explore their creativity and develop skills that could lead to future startups, rather than as a form of punishment.

The event highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping Ghana's future and underscored the need for targeted investments to harness their potential for the nation’s economic transformation.