The tenth branch of the Young Agripreneurs Forum, YAF, has been launched at the Takoradi Technical University with the objective of changing the mindset and perception of young people about agriculture to excite them towards the numerous opportunities in agriculture.
The Young Agripreneurs Forum is a special initiative by the Kosmos Innovation Centre, KIC, with support from the MasterCard Foundation, McF, to equip students with relevant skills needed to create business within the agricultural sector through the Young Agripreneurs Forum platform.
Programmes Officer of the Kosmos Innovation Centre in the Western Region, Anthony Agee-kum highlighting the rationale for the KIC’s Young Agripreneurs Forum explained that it aims to improve students’ understanding and appreciation of agriculture through learning experiences as well as equip them with entrepreneurial skills necessary to start and run a viable business in agriculture.
“It is my hope that you TTU students will embrace the Young Agripreneurs Forum initiated by KIC and work with the elected leaders to think outside the box to rally colleague students by to inspire change in the agric value chain. This can only be attained by changing the mindset of students about agric and positioning it as a viable career alternative”, he said.
Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, while launching the TTU branch of the Young Agripreneur Forum noted that the region has the best of fertile land in the country suitable for agriculture. He further said the Westen Region’s location is strategic for road, air, and sea transport for those who would want to export their produce to different parts of the country or outside in good time, hence urged the youth to consider agriculture as a place to make money.
”If you want to print your own money, do agriculture”, he emphasized.
Pro Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Prof Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah who lauded the deepening collaboration between the KIC and TTU encouraged the students to consider venturing in agriculture, even if it is a side job.
Industry players invited to the launching event shared their experiences and expertise in agriculture and related fields to inspire the students’ interest in agriculture as a viable alternative in creating wealth for themselves.
The elected executives of the TTU branch of the Young Agripreneur Forum were sworn into office to steer the affairs of the Forum. They include Cosmos Dadzie Jnr as President, Kennedy Tetteh as Vice President, Adrina Arhu as Secretary, Enock Bissue as Treasurer, Mikado Hopkins as Organizer and Lamisi Ayaaba as Communication and PR Officer.
