{
  "id": 16781913,
  "title": "SAWA Program: Newage begins training of first cohort of ‘urban bluers’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/sawa-program-newage-begins-training-of-first-cohort-of-urban-bluers-16781913",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T18:25:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/sawa-program-newage-begins-training-of-first-cohort-of-urban-bluers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. conducted the inaugural field training for the first group of participants in its Urban Blue program, part of the Sustainable Aquaculture for Women Advancement (SAWA) initiative, at the Saletso Industrial Hub in Ghana's Eastern Region. The hands-on training aimed to prepare young women to start their own catfish production businesses by combining practical experience with business guidance and gender, safeguarding, and inclusion education. This training took place on October 15, 2026, and included sessions on catfish production, tank assembly, water management, and stocking density, all conducted by Mr. Ken Nelson. The Bluers, the first cohort of female participants, had previously completed an online learning course. The practical exercises involved assembling tarpaulin fish tanks, managing water levels, and determining appropriate stocking density. Additionally, participants engaged in team-based tasks to foster collaboration and problem-solving skills. Newage's General Manager, Mr. Martin Tettey Nartey, led a business-focused session, guiding participants on transforming their aquaculture skills into viable livelihoods. The program also included a tour of the Adwenepa Hub and Saletso's cereal processing unit, showcasing the broader potential of agribusiness value addition. A session on Gender, Safeguarding, and Inclusion, led by Ms. Berlinda Sarfoa Owiredu, addressed respectful conduct, inclusive environments, and how to report any safety concerns. For participant Gariba, the hands-on training was a turning point, helping to overcome her initial reluctance to work with catfish and reinforcing her commitment to the aquaculture business. The SAWA Program, a four-year initiative by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Ltd, aims to create 60,000 jobs for women aged 18-35 in the aquaculture sector, including 3,000 with disabilities. Through its Urban Blue initiative, Newage supports women in establishing home-based catfish production businesses, offering training, technical assistance, and starter kits. The initiative received over 1,000 applications, which were vetted based on program criteria, and successful candidates were grouped into training cohorts. The first cohort's field training signifies a key milestone in the rollout of Urban Blue, with more cohorts anticipated to follow.",
  "summary": "Newage Agric Solutions Ltd. has held the first hands-on field training for participants in its Urban Blue initiative, under the Sustainable Aquaculture for Women Advancement (SAWA) Program at the Saletso Industrial Hub at Okwenya in the Eastern Region of Ghana, marking a new stage in their preparation to establish home-based catfish production businesses. The training combines practical catfish…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}