The Akyɛmpimhene of the Juaben Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region, Oheneba Yaw Sarpong Siriboe I, known in private life as Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe, has passionately urged young people to actively engage in agricultural pursuits.
Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe, who is also the National Best Farmer for 2022 made his inspiring remarks during the 2023 Akufo Hall National Best Farmers Lecture held at the University of Ghana.
The lecture, centered on the theme, "Resilience, Technology, and Humanism: The Past, the Present, and the Future of the Ghanaian Farmer," was aimed at instilling a renewed interest in agriculture among the youth.
Nana Siriboe emphasised the comparative risks between betting and farming, asserting that betting presents an unrewarding 100% win or 100% loss scenario, while farming, despite its challenges, provides a sustainable source of income. Addressing the audience at the Great Hall of the University, he urged the youth to invest in the agricultural value chain, citing the transformative potential it holds for their lives.
Some participants at the lecture
Highlighting the risks inherent in agriculture, Nana Siriboe pointed out that technological advancements have significantly mitigated challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, floods, and drought. He stressed that embracing climate-smart technologies enables farmers to cultivate vast acres of land efficiently.
Acknowledging the government's efforts, Nana Siriboe commended the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative. However, he urged policymakers to address challenges associated with the programme's initial phase and implement critical policies to boost the confidence of the youth in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Isaac Adupong, representing the Minister of Food and Agriculture at the lecture, reaffirmed government's commitment to the agricultural sector, recognising its substantial contribution to Ghana's GDP and employment. He assured that the government would implement more initiatives to make the sector attractive to the youth.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman for the Lecture, expressed concern about Ghana's recurrent reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial support. He was of the view that the key to economic independence lies in effectively utilising natural resources and prioritising agriculture. Prof. Oquaye drew parallels with countries like India, which secured food sufficiency by focusing on agriculture.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman for the Lecture
Prof. Oquaye further called on the government to pay attention to the University of Ghana's efforts, particularly through Akuafo Hall, in fostering youth interest in agriculture. He underscored the importance of sustaining the nation through robust agricultural practices, reducing dependency on food imports, and insulating the country from external crises.
Prof. Kwaku Oppong Asante, the Akuafo Hall Master, announced the Hall's commitment to hosting a Farmers' Centre of Excellence. This centre, he noted will monitor students’ interested in making farming a business. Prof. Oppong Asante added that the Hall will provide an office on campus for the National Best Farmer and organise an annual farmer's symposium, all aimed at making farming an attractive venture for the youth.
A day prior to the lecture, the Hall opened a two-day Farmers’ Market, where farmers and organisations in the agro-industry sold fresh farm produce as well as processed agro-products and had interactions with members of the University community.
Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhasan, MP, Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, opening the Farmers' Market
Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhasan, MP, Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, who opened the market as the Special Guest of Honor, emphasised the importance of supporting hardworking farmers in the country.
Akuafo Hall, one of the Traditional Halls at the University of Ghana, takes pride in its association with the gallant cocoa farmers who significantly contributed to the establishment and growth of the University. The Hall's initiatives align with the University's broader interest to promote sustainable agriculture and empower the youth for a prosperous future.
