NEIP CEO Eric Adjei calls for increased investment in agriculture to attract Ghanaian youth

Eric Adjei, the CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has urged for ongoing investment and practical assistance to make agriculture more appealing, especially to Ghana's youth. Adjei maintained that sustained investment, backed by the government, private sector and individuals, could convert farming into a major employer and economic driver.

He made this statement during a meeting with farmers in Jaman North District, Bono Region, where initiatives are underway to enhance agricultural output. Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, with numerous residents relying on it for their livelihoods. However, climate change, low yield and insufficient backing continue to challenge farmers and render the sector less appealing to young individuals.

Adjei emphasized the need for practical actions and motivation to keep farmers in production while drawing more young people into agriculture. As part of the aid, Jaman North has been supplied with 3,500 bags of fertiliser for farming. This shipment includes 500 bags from the initial batch, 1,500 bags from the subsequent batch, and an extra 1,500 bags donated by Adjei himself.

The fertilizer is slated to be allocated to 1,500 farmers in the district. District Chief Executive George Adane cautioned beneficiaries against misusing or smuggling the subsidized fertilizer to neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, threatening offenders with full legal repercussions. Furthermore, the district is set to receive a Farm and Service Centre at Sampa and a private-sector cashew processing plant, projects anticipated to generate jobs, promote value addition, and bolster agriculture in Jaman North.