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MTN Ghana, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ghana and Defarmercist,( a company delivering extensive smart agronomic support services),launched a state-of-the-art Horticultural Agriculture Center of Excellence at the University of Ghana Farms. This initiative aimed to empower the youth and promote local economic growth through modern agricultural practices.
Ms. Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, highlighted the significance of this project, saying it was born out of the need to create jobs for the burgeoning youth population in Ghana. She emphasized that agriculture was a vital sector that could support the country's economy and provide opportunities for young people. The center would offer training in modern agricultural techniques, including practical skills and vocational agriculture, to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the industry. MTN supported the project with a significant investment of GHC 3 million over the next two years, which would cater to a minimum of 300 people in the pilot phase.
Professor Eric Nartey, Dean of the School of Agriculture, expressed his gratitude to MTN Ghana and Defarmercist for their support in establishing the Horticultural Agriculture Center of Excellence. He emphasized the importance of practical training for students and the university's unique approach, which included a holistic curriculum that covered basic sciences, insect science, and value addition, ensuring that students were well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture.
Mr. Charles Agyeman, General Manager of Defarmercist, elaborated on the project's design, which consisted of two phases: training and commercial production. The training phase would feature a greenhouse and open-field production, where participants would acquire practical skills and knowledge sourced from countries that were leaders in agriculture, such as Israel and Holland. After a month of training, participants would transition to commercial-scale production, where they would work with industry professionals to refine their skills and gain hands-on experience. The project's innovative approach and collaboration with international partners were expected to make a significant impact on Ghana's agricultural sector, promoting excellence and sustainability. The audience applauded the initiative, recognizing its potential to drive positive change and growth in the country.
