YAPP Cohort 3 Ready To Drive Youth Agribusiness

The National Service personnel with Daniel Fahene Acquaye

 

Twenty-three national service personnel from the Young Agribusiness Professionals (YAPP) Programme – Cohort 3 have been commended for their outstanding hard work and dedication to driving youth agribusiness in the country.

The personnel, under the initiative, organised by Agri-Impact Limited and the Mastercard Foundation, underwent flagship mentoring, technical training, field experiences and capacity-building programmes to equip them with the skills, experiences and opportunities in the agribusiness sector.

Speaking at the grande finale and awards night for the cohort, group CEO of Agri-Impact, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, said the YAPP Programme through the training and field experiences resulted in three of the personnels generating GH¢350,000 revenue from managing a one-acre greenhouse farm in Dawhenya, within eight months.

The CEO added that service personnel have played critical roles beyond farming— with some now serving as marketing officers, Information Technology innovators introducing digital solutions, and safeguarding specialists conducting independent field assessments.

“This proves that when given the right training, responsibility, and dignity, our young people are more than capable of delivering excellence. We are proving that young people, when mentored and trusted, can drive productivity, reduce imports, and contribute directly to food security,” he stressed.

Mr. Acquaye, advised the private and public sectors to reimagine the role of national service personnel, positioning them as valuable assets capable of driving innovation, productivity, and national development rather than relegating them to errands and menial tasks.

“Too often, when young people are posted for national service, they are seen as a burden. Institutions assign them to buy food, run errands, or move files.

“The narrative that young people don’t like agriculture is changing. We are ready to absorb between 1,000 and 2,000 service personnel annually and link them to relevant industries for national impact,” he affirmed.

The Director-General of the National Service Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, expressed appreciation to Agri-Impact and the Mastercard Foundation for their partnership in equipping young graduates for leadership roles in agribusiness.

“We couldn’t have had it any better than what they have done for us. With their support and our readiness to work together, the future is very bright. Congratulations to us.” she said.

The awards night witnessed Calvin Adjei (Agri-Impact Limited), Francis Mbroh (Fresh Logistics), Emmanuel Osom (Technoserve), and Esinam Yanka (Catholic Relief Services) winning the Overall Best category.

Special recognitions went to Francis Mbroh for Innovation, Esinam Yanka for Leadership, and Abigail Sume for Team Player.

A Special Group Award was presented to the Habanero Team from Fresh Logistics, comprising Francis Mbroh, Dennis Bamflo, and Edward Darko, for their collaborative excellence.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorke

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