By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Akatsi (V/R), June 19, GNA – The Atidefe Foundation has announced that the fifth phase of its Free Coconut Seedlings Distribution and Youth Empowerment Forum will take place on Saturday, July 25, this year at Akatsi in the Volta Region.
The programme, which is part of the Foundation’s commitment to promoting agriculture and youth development, is expected to bring together beneficiaries, farmers, youth groups, community leaders, development partners, and members of the public.
In a statement issued by Miss Dziedzorm Happy Darrah, the Foundation’s Secretary, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), beneficiaries are expected to receive free coconut seedlings and participate in discussions aimed at equipping young people with practical knowledge in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Mr. Yao Thomas Atidefe, Founder of the Foundation, said the initiative continues to yield encouraging results, noting that many coconut trees planted during an earlier distribution exercise in 2022 are now bearing fruit.
He explained that this development demonstrates the sustainability and impact of the programme and has further strengthened the Foundation’s resolve to continue investing in agriculture and youth-centred development interventions.
Mr. Atidefe, a former Presiding Member of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly and Assembly Member for the Torve Electoral Area, expressed appreciation to beneficiaries, traditional authorities, development partners, and supporters for their contributions to the success of the initiative. He also invited beneficiaries and interested members of the public to attend and support the upcoming event.
The Foundation began its free coconut seedlings distribution programme in 2022 as part of efforts to promote tree crop cultivation, create employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods in the Akatsi South Municipality.
The maiden edition distributed more than 600 coconut seedlings to residents, and the exercise has since expanded steadily, reaching thousands of beneficiaries across the municipality.
The fourth phase of the programme, held in 2025, saw the distribution of more than 3,500 coconut seedlings and the introduction of the Youth Empowerment Forum to complement the Foundation’s agricultural interventions.
In total, the initiative has so far distributed close to 9,000 coconut seedlings free of charge and has gained recognition for encouraging young people to venture into agriculture and agribusiness.
Some beneficiaries and community members have described the programme as a transformative intervention that has created sustainable income opportunities and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.
The Youth Empowerment Forum is expected to expose participants to opportunities within the agricultural value chain, including modern farming practices, agribusiness development, and entrepreneurship.
Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with experienced farmers, agricultural extension officers, and development practitioners, who will share insights on best farming practices, crop management, and the long-term benefits of coconut cultivation.
As preparations intensify for this year’s event, expectations remain high among residents and beneficiaries in Akatsi and surrounding communities, many of whom view the programme as an important platform for promoting agricultural innovation, youth participation, and sustainable community development.
The Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and implementing agricultural interventions that improve livelihoods, expressing optimism that the fifth phase of the programme will build on previous successes and further deepen its impact across the region.
Mr. Atidefe is also aspiring to the position of Deputy Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akatsi South Constituency.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Agbaxode Emmanuel