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A leading food, feed and fibre agri-business, Olam Agri, has launched a sustainability programme aimed at empowering communities and driving economic growth across key sectors.
The programme, the ‘Raising Generations Initiative’, is intended to provide training for bakers and also scholarship for dependents of bakers in the country.
While Olam will partner the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service to set up a baking school to train interested persons, it has also set up a scholarship scheme for the dependents of bakers.
The launch took place at Olam Agri’s grains facility in Kpone in the Greater Accra Region.
In attendance were the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and the Director-General, TVET Service, Dr Eric Kofi Adzroe.
The baking school will provide training that combines theory with hands-on experience.
The training curriculum places heavy emphasis on the science of baking, and participants will be exposed to new approaches and advancements that are shaping the future of the industry.
It aims to equip trainees with the skills necessary to create tasty products, while fostering creativity and promoting continuous improvement.
It is anticipated that the programme will train 400 bakers within its first year, with plans for sustained annual growth.
Upon completion, participants will receive an official certification from Ghana TVET, providing a credible pathway to formal recognition and enhanced career opportunities within the sector.
With regard to the scholarship scheme, two dependents of bakers who do business with the company will enjoy full sponsorship once they gain admission to any tertiary school of their choice.
The scheme aims to target about 108 scholarships in the first year.
The Country Head, Olam Agri in Ghana, Baibhav Biswas, explaining the rationale for the initiative, said it projects the cornerstone of the company's commitment to Ghana's sustainable development.
He stated that the Raising Generations Initiative would allow Olam Agri to invest holistically in the skills and capabilities of local bakers, strengthening the food industry while empowering families and communities over the long term.
"The importance of this collaboration extends beyond improving baking standards. It is about empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs and creators of their own economic futures. Many of our graduates will not only find employment, but will also be equipped with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses," Mr Biswas stated.
He added that the unique element of the programme was the transformative scholarship scheme.
"Olam Agri is extending its investment beyond the bakery by offering two dependents of participant bakers a full scholarship to a tertiary institution of their choice.
"This bold commitment ensures educational and economic opportunities way beyond the kitchen, benefiting entire families and communities for generations to come.
The Director-General, TVET Service, described the initiative as the essence of vocational training, which is to provide a way to self-sufficiency and economic growth.
"We commend Olam Agri for this initiative as it aligns with the objectives of TVET training," Dr Adzroe said.
Mr Iddrisu also welcomed the initiative, emphasising that it aligned with the national goals for inclusive and equitable education.
"We welcome Olam Agri’s bold contribution to Ghana’s educational transformation agenda.
We believe that this initiative will strengthen the vocational pathways for these children and provide a transformative opportunity for their families.”
"It is this kind of private-sector commitment that truly aligns with our national goals for inclusive and equitable education," the Education Minister said.
