Agriculture Central to Mahama Government's Youth Employment Plan- Veep

October 24, 2025

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has outlined the Mahama administration's strategy to tackle youth unemployment through agricultural transformation and agribusiness development.

Four-Pillar Strategy

Speaking to the Ghanaian community in Iowa during her visit to the United States, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized job creation as the first pillar of the government's approach.

"We have a youthful population, of whom we are very proud. We know they are brilliant; all they need is a little bit of help," she said, highlighting that the strategy will focus primarily on agricultural transformation and agribusiness as "a very long chain."

Supporting Small-Scale Farmers

The Vice President stressed the government's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, particularly smallholder farmers.

"If that person has a small piece of land, that person deserves support. If all that land can do is feed children, she is doing well and needs support," she stated, noting that the Women's Development Bank will play a crucial role in providing this support.

Global Food Security Forum

Professor Opoku-Agyemang is in the United States to participate in the 2025 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, organized by the World Food Prize Foundation. The annual event in Des Moines brings together global leaders, policymakers, scientists, and innovators to discuss strategies for addressing world hunger and strengthening food systems.

The government's focus on agricultural transformation aligns with broader discussions at the international forum on sustainable food security and economic development.