The Municipal Chief Executive for Techiman, Kwaku Adjei Mensah, has called on young people to explore opportunities in agriculture, describing the sector as a key pillar of innovation, employment, and national development.
He made the appeal at the Springboard Road Show 2025 held in Techiman, the sixth stop of the nationwide youth empowerment tour under the Ghana Grows programme. The event brought together hundreds of young people, traditional leaders, and local authorities to discuss entrepreneurship, skills development, and mental well-being.
Hon. Mensah said agriculture remained one of the most promising sectors for the youth, offering vast potential for innovation and self-employment. He encouraged participants to acquire practical skills and take advantage of government and private-sector initiatives aimed at improving productivity and livelihoods.
“Agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for our youth. It offers vast potential for innovation, employment, and enterprise,” he said. “I encourage every young person to acquire practical skills and take advantage of interventions in agriculture to improve productivity and livelihoods.”
The Techiman event marked the transition of the Road Show from Ghana’s northern and savannah zones to the middle belt. The nationwide initiative, which aims to reach all 16 regions and engage over 500,000 young people, focuses on youth empowerment through innovation, inclusion, and mentorship.
Sessions on mental health and psychosocial support were also featured, emphasising the importance of emotional resilience and self-care for personal and professional growth. Facilitators highlighted that free counselling services are available under the Ghana Grows programme to support participants.
Two beneficiaries of the Ghana Grows Girls Club shared their experiences. Ellen Anyaki said online mentoring in entrepreneurship and food processing had enabled her to establish a garlic and ginger paste business after winning the 60-Day Backyard Farming Challenge. “Through e-mentoring on entrepreneurship and food processing, I was able to start a garlic and ginger paste business,” she said. “Winning the 60-Day Backyard Farming Challenge gave me a starter kit and financial support to expand my venture.”
Another participant, Haggar Sackey, said training under the Empower360 initiative inspired her to create Evert & Co., a youth-led enterprise that trains senior high school students in soap making and entrepreneurship. “The soap-making training gave me the confidence to start my own business,” she said. “The programme gave me purpose and direction.”
The event was graced by traditional leaders, including Nana Adwoa Akwaabea Sika, New Krobo Hemaa; Nana Kwadwo Yeboah, Atipimhene of Krobo Kyidom Traditional Council; and Nana Afia Yeboaa, Atipimhemaa of Krobo Kyidom Traditional Council.
Nana Kwadwo Yeboah, who also serves as a Ghana Grows Youth Ambassador, said training at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) had enhanced his understanding of agriculture and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), equipping him to mentor other young people through Career Clinic sessions.
The Springboard Road Show 2025 continues to inspire a new generation of skilled, confident, and purpose-driven youth. From Techiman, the nationwide journey will move to the Bono Region, spreading the message of enterprise, innovation, and empowerment.
