Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has encouraged young people in the Volta Region to take advantage of the vast opportunities in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the Volta Youth Entrepreneurs Forum, held as part of the ongoing Volta Trade and Investment Fair in Ho, he said not everyone would secure a “white-collar” job, making it essential for young people to pursue ventures that enable them to create livelihoods and employ others.

He noted that a stronger entrepreneurial and agricultural drive among the youth would help reduce Ghana’s overdependence on imported products.

Mr Dumelo described the forum, on the theme: “Empowering Volta’s Young Entrepreneurs for Global Partnerships and a Thriving 24-Hour Economy”, as timely and crucial in preparing young people for a sustainable future.

“By next year, I want to return and see many younger people actively engaged in entrepreneurship and farming,” he stated.

Mrs Elsie Appau-Klu, Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), described the forum as an innovative and needed platform for training, mentorship and business guidance.

Sharing her experience as a former young entrepreneur, she said the GRA considers young business owners not only job creators, but key drivers of national economic growth.

“Without the growth of Ghana’s economic sectors, we at the GRA cannot mobilise the revenue needed for national development,” she said.

Mrs Appau-Klu outlined new GRA interventions, including the modified taxation scheme aimed at simplifying tax processes through digital platforms.

She said entrepreneurs earning below GH¢500,000 annually benefit from exemptions or flexible arrangements, while people under 35 enjoy additional reliefs under Ghana’s tax laws.

Businesses located outside Accra and Tema, she added, also qualify for tax holidays of up to five years.

She encouraged the youth of the Volta Region to explore opportunities in tourism, agriculture, education and other sectors, noting that the GRA remains committed to supporting young entrepreneurs to understand the tax system and grow their enterprises.

Mama Bobi III, Queen of Bake and Afetornyornufia of Ho-Bankoe, applauded the initiative, describing it as necessary to shift the mindset of young people toward entrepreneurship.

Drawing from her background as a judge, she said the realities of the modern world show that entrepreneurship is a true driver of national growth.

“Today, the wealthiest people are not those in eight-to-five jobs. Entrepreneurship is the way forward, especially at a time when formal employment is scarce,” she noted.

Mama Bobi lamented the low participation of young people in developmental programmes compared to entertainment events, observing that while the fairgrounds were full at midnight, only a fraction attended the forum.

She called on the youth to pursue ventures that solve societal problems and take advantage of platforms offering mentorship, partnerships and networks.

“As leaders, we are ready to support you, but your interest, commitment and presence are essential,” she said.

She also encouraged improved access and engagement between leaders and young people seeking guidance, stressing the need to bridge the gap for meaningful impact.

Some young entrepreneurs who attended the forum told the Ghana News Agency that the programme offered valuable exposure, connections and inspiration to sharpen their skills and pursue their goals with renewed determination.

The forum brought together young business owners, CEOs, traditional leaders, legal practitioners and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region.