By Iddi Yire
Accra, Nov 12, GNA – Mr Happy Agbenyenu, Executive Director, Groupstand for Peace, Growth and Development, has urged the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the allocation of national service personnel towards agriculture.
This initiative, he said, required a robust framework, including training programmes, access to resources, and support systems to ensure the success of the nation’s young farmers.
Mr Agbenyenu in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said by focusing on agriculture, Ghanaians could unlock the potential of our national service personnel to transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape, alleviate unemployment, and create a sustainable economic future. “Together, let us invest in our youth and in the future of Ghana,” he stated.
In the statement dubbed, “Strengthening Ghana’s Agriculture Sector Through National Service Personal”, Mr Agbenyenu said considering the ongoing economic challenges facing Ghana, including escalating debt and high unemployment rates, Groupstand for Peace, Growth and Development was calling for a strategic shift in the deployment of our national service personnel.
“We believe that integrating these young individuals into the agricultural sector is essential for boosting food production, enhancing export potential, and revitalizing our economy.”
Concerning Agricultural Focus for National Service Personnel, Mr Agbenyenu said Ghana had immense agricultural resources, yet Ghanaians faced significant challenges in food production and exportation.
He said by redirecting national service personnel towards agriculture, Ghanaians could harness their energy and innovation to strengthen this vital sector.
Adding that this initiative aligned with national priorities of food security and economic sustainability.
Touching on the benefits of agricultural engagement, Mr Agbenyenu said by actively engaging in farming activities, national service personnel could help meet local food demands and reduce reliance on imports.
“This will not only provide immediate benefits but will also enhance food security for all Ghanaians,” he stated.
He said a focus on agriculture could significantly increase their export capacity; declaring that “By producing surplus food, we can tap into international markets, generating much-needed foreign exchange and supporting our national budget amid our current debt situation”.
Mr Agbenyenu said the involvement of young people in agriculture would stimulate job creation; saying “as they gain experience and develop skills, they can either continue in the agricultural sector or contribute to related industries, thereby reducing the unemployment rate among our youth”.
He said strengthening the nation’s agricultural sector was a pathway to revamping the overall economy.
“By investing in agriculture, we can create a ripple effect that boosts related sectors, such as agro-processing, transportation, and retail, thereby fostering economic growth,” Mr Agbenyenu stated.
GNA