AG-STUD 2024: The Role of Public, Private and Development Partners in Advancing Career Opportunities for Agri-Youth

AG-STUD 2024: The Role of Public, Private and Development Partners in Advancing Career Opportunities for Agri-Youth

The 7th edition of the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp is scheduled to take place from May 20th to May 24th, 2024, at the  Ghana National Association of Teachers Conference Hall (GNAT Hall) in Accra.

To be held Under the theme “Accelerating Our Efforts in Enabling and Advancing Career Opportunities for Agri-Youth: Role of Public, Private, and Development Partners,” this year’s bootcamp is poised to ignite a transformative journey for young Agri-enthusiasts across Ghana.

Organized by Agrihouse Foundation, the Annual Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp has consistently served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for budding agricultural talents.

Notably, the 6th edition witnessed the remarkable success story of Charlotte Yawa Sodzedo, a participant from Adidome Farm Institute, who received substantial technical and financial backing through the Agromonti Ultimate Prize Pitch, valued at Seventy-Five thousand Ghana cedis (75,000 GHC). With the help of Agrihouse and Agromonti, she received an ultramodern input dealer shop in Adidome. Additionally, Grace Idani of Central University and Angela Afia Pokuaa of the University of Cape Coast both won cash prizes from the Nanam Ventures Ultimate Prize Pitch.

Past beneficiaries have witnessed remarkable achievements and initiated impactful initiatives through the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp. Stories of participants like Obed Asamoah, who received seed capital and scaled his mushroom farm to international markets, Perfect M.A Nyikplorkpo’s ventures in lettuce production and moringa processing, now household names in local supermarkets, Mamaga Mary Hundo’s innovative Agri-processing techniques revolutionizing groundnut and soybean products, and Solomon Benambemon’s journey from participant to agronomist, showcase the doors opened by AG-STUD.

 These individuals serve as living testaments to the transformative power of the bootcamp, inspiring a new wave of agricultural innovation and sustainability.

In a statement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, stated that the theme for the 7th Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Bootcamp, ‘Accelerating Our Efforts in Enabling and Advancing Career Opportunities for Agri-Youth: Role of Public, Private, and Development Partners,’ reflects the  commitment to fostering collaboration and synergy among stakeholders. She emphasized that collective action from the public sector, private enterprises, and development partners is crucial for empowering the agri-youth of Ghana and creating a conducive environment for their growth and advancement. She emphasized that by harnessing collective strengths and innovative strategies, the bootcamp aims to unlock vast opportunities for agri-youth, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in agriculture.

She called on partners, sponsors, and corporate bodies to join in this transformative journey of empowerment and excellence, stating that by working together, they have the potential to unlock immense opportunities and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future in Ghana.

The upcoming 7th edition of the bootcamp will build upon these remarkable success stories, with a diverse cohort of over 125 students hailing from various agricultural colleges, institutes, and universities poised to participate. Through a dynamic blend of practical learning sessions, engaging pitches, insightful presentations, immersive field trips, and stimulating activities, the bootcamp aims to cultivate a culture of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship among the agri-youth of Ghana.

Participating institutions for the 7th Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp include Ohawu Agricultural College, Central University, Adidome Agric College, Kwadaso Agricultural College, and others such as Fair River Farm Institute, Damango Animal Health, Asuanzi, University Of Development Studies, University of Cape Coast, KNUST, University of Ghana, Catholic University, Methodist University, UNER, Wenchi Farm Institute, Veterinary College, All Nations ,University, Ghana Christian alongside several esteemed second-cycle institutions among others .

As Ghana’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve and flourish, initiatives such as the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp stand as pillars of progress and prosperity, shaping a future where agri-entrepreneurs thrive and sustainable agricultural practices prosper. Stay tuned as we embark on this transformative journey in May 2024, heralding a new era of agricultural excellence and innovation.”