AGRA Ghana has called on food systems stakeholders to prioritise youth by integrating their needs into development plans and enhancing mentorship, skills, and financing opportunities.

In a statement issued by Ghana Country Director of AGRA, Dr. Betty Simawua Annan, to mark World Youth Day, she called on “government and local authorities to integrate youth priorities into development plans and ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making.”

She also called on private sector partners to expand investment in youth-led agricultural innovations and market solutions.

Dr. Annan urged development partners and civil society to strengthen mentorship, skills development, and financing for young changemakers.

She said AGRA remains committed to building a future where Africa feeds itself and becomes a global leader in sustainable agriculture, riding on the creativity, passion, and resilience of its young people.

This year’s theme for the celebration is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”

The statement noted that over 65% of Sustainable Development Goals targets are linked to local governance, where the creativity, skills, and determination of youth are essential.

“Young people are not just the beneficiaries of change; they are the architects of solutions that address climate change, hunger, unemployment, and market access challenges,” she said.

The statement disclosed AGRA, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is working to unlock the potential of young people through the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) Program.

“We are amplifying youth voices on the barriers they face in agriculture, strengthening institutions that serve them, and expanding access to practical skills, agribusiness development opportunities, and finance that is accessible and fair,” the AGRA Ghana Country Director noted.

“Together, we can ensure that youth are not just part of the conversation — they are leading the transformation,” the statement added.

The statement observed AGRA’s commitment to the youth is further demonstrated by the decision to place them at the centre of the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025—a premier gathering of public and private sector leaders, dedicated to transforming food systems across the continent.

The forum in Dakar, Senegal, from August 31, to September 5, will be hosted under the leadership of H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal.

Under the theme “Africa’s Youth Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation”, the Forum will showcase youth-led innovations, policy influence, and market solutions from across the continent, with Ghanaian youth poised to inspire Africa and the world.

The statement reiterated AGRA’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“Our work is grounded in Ghana’s national priorities. We are supporting flagship initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the Adwumawura Programme to boost productivity, enhance value addition, promote agro-processing, expand financing, and create stronger markets for youth-led enterprises,” the statement said.

“This commitment directly contributes to Ghana’s vision of reducing food imports, increasing local production, and positioning agriculture as a career of choice for the next generation,” the statement added.