Dreams F.C. posted a surprise 1-0 win over Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League on Saturday night.

The decisive goal of the match came after just two minutes, when Abdul Razak Salifu rose highest to connect and looping header into the back of the net.

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare made a desperate attempt to save the ball but he was unlucky as he stumbled in the process.

Tried as Hearts did, their lack of cohesiveness limited their ability to sustain attacking spells and create decent goalscoring opportunities.

Saturday’s defeat was the fifth the Phobians have suffered in the league this season, and the sixth in all competitions.

Hearts are now two points behind league leaders Asante Kotoko, who drew 1-1 at Samartex earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Dreams F.C. have moved into 12th position with 24 points, taking them six points clear of the relegation zone.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

Nanayarquah Blog of Saturday, 15 March 2025

Source: Nana Yarquah

Michael Abbey, new CEO of the Venture Capital Trust Fund (R)

Ghana’s economy is at a pivotal moment, with private capital playing an essential role in fostering business growth, creating jobs, and driving economic transformation.

The need to mobilize domestic capital, attract global investment, and provide strategic financing for high-growth SMEs has never been more pressing.

Against this backdrop, the appointment of Michael Abbey as the new CEO of the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) marks a significant milestone in shaping Ghana’s private equity and venture capital ecosystem.

As a key institution in the country’s investment landscape, VCTF’s leadership plays a crucial role in sustaining capital flows and fostering long-term economic development.

VCTF was established by an Act of Parliament to address Ghana’s SME financing gap and build a robust private capital market.

The industry anticipates that the new leadership will focus on strengthening capital mobilization and deployment by engaging pension funds, insurance firms, and institutional investors to channel local capital into venture capital and private equity funds.

A strategic allocation of funds will be essential to support high-impact businesses that drive job creation and economic growth.

Investor confidence and governance will also be a key priority. Transparency and accountability in fund management are critical to sustaining trust among investors.

Strengthening corporate governance structures in line with global best practices will further enhance the credibility of Ghana’s private capital market.

Additionally, engaging with development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and impact investors will help unlock additional capital for the sector.

Beyond capital deployment, advancing policy advocacy and ecosystem development will be essential in shaping a more enabling investment climate.

Collaborating with key regulators such as the Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) will be necessary to drive regulatory reforms that facilitate private investment.

The finalization of the Limited Partnerships Act will be a crucial step in attracting more private capital.

Furthermore, advocating for incentives to encourage both local and international investors to participate in venture financing will be vital in ensuring sustainable growth.

VCTF’s leadership is also expected to work closely with the Ghana Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (GVCA) to support the broader private capital ecosystem.

GVCA has played a significant role in shaping Ghana’s private equity and venture capital landscape through policy advocacy, investor engagement, capacity building, and market research.

By facilitating entrepreneurial development programs, GVCA has helped prepare SMEs for investment opportunities, ensuring that businesses seeking funding are well-positioned to attract investors.

The association remains committed to strengthening investment regulations and improving capital allocation to foster a thriving private capital market.

The success of VCTF’s new leadership will ultimately be measured by its ability to implement these strategic priorities effectively.

GVCA and the wider private capital industry are eager to collaborate in ensuring that private investment continues to drive economic transformation, unlock opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and create sustainable employment.

With strong leadership and sound financial management, Ghana is well-positioned to solidify its status as a leading investment destination in Africa.

Featured

GraphicOnline

Mar – 15 – 2025 , 22:13

2 minutes read

By Kodjo Adams

Accra, March 15, GNA – Stakeholders at the National Education Forum have called on the Government to prioritise investments in basic education infrastructure to enhance access. 

The investment should include innovative financing models to bridge the rural-urban gap in basic education access and quality and ensure all children of basic school-going age have the opportunity to enrol at a complete basic school. 

This was in a communique read by Professor George K.T.Oduro, Chairman of the National Education Forum Planning Committee, at the end of the Forum on Thursday. 

The Forum, on the theme: “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” took place from February 19 to March 13, 2025. 

It was structured along zonal stakeholder engagement and town hall meetings under five thematic areas. 

These are infrastructure; quality education; regulations, accountability and governance; education financing; and research and data. 

Participants included faith-based organisations, student unions, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations in the education space. 

The communique noted the huge gap in basic education infrastructure, access, and quality, creating deficits in access to quality basic education in underserved communities. 

It called on the Government to be deliberate in investing to bridge the gap between the quality of basic education in rural areas and urban areas. 

“The Government must adopt an equitable framework for distributing education funds with priority for basic education, which is the foundation of our education system,” it said. 

The stakeholders recommended improvement in the provision of accommodation and allowances for teachers in required areas, including enhanced teacher salaries, welfare, and scholarships. 

They urged the Government to regularise the roles of parent-teacher associations, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders through a framework to enhance their effectiveness, participation, recognition and impact. 

On infrastructure for the senior high schools, the communique called for urgent steps to expand school infrastructure and abolish the double-track system. 

The Forum had 5,000 stakeholders from across Ghana and received over 2,000 proposals from individuals and organisations, including a study on three passages with over 20,000 respondents. 

GNA 

ABD 

GCEC seeks to drive sustainability in agriculture and agro-processing, textiles and plastics

The Strategic Partnerships and Engagements Lead for the Ghana Circular Economy Centre project, Joseph Yeboah, has reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to supporting Ghana’s transition from a linear economy to a more circular one.

This transition will be driven by partnership-building efforts to promote efficient and sustainable resource management practices in three key economic sectors: textiles, agriculture and agro-processing, and plastics.

He made these remarks during a validation workshop held in Takoradi in the Western Region.

The Ghana Circular Economy Centre project is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI). The project aims to foster circular economy-based inclusive economic prosperity and a low-carbon economy, particularly benefiting women and youth in Ghana.

Yeboah noted that the validation workshop was the second in a series of workshops designed to validate the project’s gender and youth baseline reports while raising awareness about the Ghana Circular Economy Centre (GCEC) project.

He further explained that these workshops seek to incorporate input from national stakeholders to ensure that the gender and youth action plans being developed align with their interests and aspirations.

The GCEC is hosted by Ho Technical University, with satellite locations at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and The Or Foundation, which serve as Value Chain Leads for agriculture and agro-processing, plastics, and textiles, respectively.

“We are focusing on cassava, mango, pineapple, tilapia, and catfish value chains within the agriculture and agro-processing sector, while also working on effective plastic collection and recycling in the plastics sector.

For textiles, our interest spans both second-hand clothing and local textiles production chains,” Mr. Yeboah stated.

He also outlined the five main pillars of the project:

• Establishing the Centres

• Training and capacity building for beneficiaries

• Providing technical assistance for developing circular economy modules

• Enhancing financial sector support for stakeholders

• Facilitating networking and exchange programs

The Ghana Circular Economy Centre (GCEC) seeks to drive sustainability in agriculture and agro-processing, textiles, and plastics by promoting circular economy practices. Through innovative strategies, the project aims to enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and create more sustainable jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Former Auditor-General and member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has called on Ghanaians to exercise patience regarding demands for immediate prosecutions following the submission of the ORAL report to the President.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, Domelevo clarified that the report’s primary objective was to gather information, emphasizing that due process must be followed before any legal action is initiated.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive legal and financial review before moving forward with prosecutions or arrests.

“I have had some engagement with the AG, and I think his line of thought is so much in sync with mine. He thinks that we may have to leverage more on the audit. So people are asking when are there going to be prosecutions or when are there going to be arrests.

“I think it is premature. People should understand that all we did was to gather information. We have not even heard from the other side.

“Ghanaians should be a little bit patient. This process cannot be rushed unduly, otherwise, we will falter when we get to court. They should give the AG and maybe the Auditor-General some breathing space so that these cases can be referred to the Auditor-General to conduct a value-for-money audit and also a compliance audit to see if they comply with the laws and regulations.

“If there were some losses, then the Auditor-General can activate his mandate to disallow and surcharge,” he stated.

Domelevo’s remarks highlight the importance of a meticulous approach to ensuring accountability and recovering misappropriated public funds without compromising legal procedures.

Hearts of Oak will host Dreams FC at the University of Ghana Stadium in a crucial encounter that could see the home side climb to the top of the table.

A victory for the Phobians would propel them to the summit following Asante Kotoko’s defeat to Samartex.

Hearts of Oak are in fine form, going unbeaten in their last five games after a slow start to the season. They have won three, drawn two, and are yet to concede in their last six matches, boasting the second-best defensive record this season.

Despite their impressive run, they face a tough challenge against Dreams FC, a team they have not beaten since their 3-1 victory in 2022. Interestingly, the last five meetings between the two sides have all ended in draws.

Dreams FC, on the other hand, have been inconsistent, recording two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches.

Watch the live stream below:

EE/MA

Also, watch the latest episode of Sports Check on GhanaWeb TV, featuring the return of the Ghana Premier League and discussions on national team ambitions

Professor Peter Quartey of the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, has urged policymakers to impose a strict debt ceiling, implement prudent financial management strategies, and strengthen institutional oversight over the country’s resources.

He is also emphasising the need for greater transparency in public procurement and better planning for capital projects to avoid misallocation of resources.

Prof. Quartey made the recommendations when he delivered a thought-provoking analysis of the nation’s borrowing practices and its effects on investment and growth at the 2025 Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Inaugural Lecture, where the growing debate over Ghana’s debt sustainability took centre stage.

Under the theme “Debt, Investment, and Growth in Ghana: Did We Borrow to Consume?”He examined whether Ghana’s increasing debt levels have translated into productive investments and concluded, invariably, that they have not.

Over the last decade, Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio has soared, reaching unsustainable levels.

He argued that while borrowing is a crucial tool for financing development, Professor Quartey stressed that its benefits depend on how effectively funds are allocated.

Prof. Quartey argued that excessive debt can act as a “tax on investment,” thereby discouraging economic growth if it is not properly managed.

Ghana’s capital expenditure, which should ideally drive infrastructure and economic expansion, has plummeted.

In 2010, it stood at 6.9% of GDP, but by 2023, it had declined to just 2.4%. Despite securing substantial loans, the country has struggled to invest in long-term growth projects.

Professor Quartey used three case studies to illustrate the importance of financial discipline, recounting the story of an extravagant tech entrepreneur who squandered his fortune, and contrasted it with that of Ronald Read, a modest janitor who accumulated wealth through strategic investing.

The lesson, he said, was clear: financial success hinges more on behaviour than intelligence, a principle that he said also applies to national economic management.

Ghana has undertaken several major projects funded by external loans, including the Sinohydro and Afreximbank agreements. However, many of these initiatives have faced delays and cost overruns.

He said the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam project, for instance, meant to improve electricity generation and irrigation, is yet to take off six years after its approval, raising questions about the efficiency of public investment

Prof. Quartey also highlighted the shift in Ghana’s borrowing patterns, with a move away from concessional multilateral loans towards expensive international capital markets.

This shift, he argued, necessitates a critical reassessment of whether borrowed funds have been invested in high-return investments or merely used to service existing debts and fund recurrent expenditure.

He cautioned against the government returning to the capital market any time soon.

“The efficiency of investment is paramount. Ghana’s challenge is not merely borrowing but how the funds are allocated and managed,” he noted.

He also pointed out instances of inefficiencies in public financial management, citing extravagant expenditures and the lack of competitive procurement processes.

Beyond the need for debt ceiling, Prof Quartey also called for the strengthening of public financial management and diversifying exports to reduce reliance on external borrowing.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Featured

Graphic Showbiz

Showbiz News

Mar – 15 – 2025 , 20:37

2 minutes read

Accra, March 15, GNA- The Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) says all promotions at the Company have been conducted in strict adherence to established protocols.

The company said this included departmental recommendations and thorough evaluation by panels comprising no fewer than six members.

A statement issued in Accra by GACL said this also included representatives from the Public Services Commission and appropriate professional associations.

It said management had taken note of recent publications containing several allegations regarding appointments and promotions within the organization.

The statement said these claims and allegations were false.

It said interviews were conducted from May to July of 2024, and appointment letters were issued in August and September of 2024. 

It said Ms. Felicia Edem Attipoe had not resumed post at GACL since January 2025, contrary to claims in the publication.

The statement said Mr. Gideon Grumah’s promotion to the position of Director, Commercial Services, was approved by the GACL Board in 2023, prior to the appointment of the current Managing Director, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare.

“The allegation that individuals were elevated to top management positions after only three months of engagement is categorically false,” it added. 

It said staff members, who received promotions, had served the company for extended periods, with many having remained at officer level for 15-20 years despite their contributions.

The statement said Mr. Eric Nartey Yeboah’s appointment followed due process with an interview and was approved by the GACL Board. 

It said it was imperative to state that GACL remained committed to merit-based advancement for all staff. 

In 2024, 109 Aviation Security Personnel were promoted as part of our Staff Advancement policy, many of whom have dedicated years of service to the company.

GACL assured the public and stakeholders of their unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational excellence in fulfilling its mandate.

GNA

Brentford came from a goal down to beat Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium and register a fifth successive Premier League away win.

The hosts went in front when a Milos Kerkez cross went in off the shoulder of Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt.

However, Bournemouth’s lead lasted for only 13 minutes as Yoane Wissa headed in his 14th Premier League goal of the season from Bryan Mbeumo’s corner.

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard swept home the visitors’ winner when Bournemouth failed to clear a second-half long throw into their penalty area.

With Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle not in Premier League action and Manchester City drawing against Brighton earlier on Saturday, a Bournemouth win would have lifted them to sixth in the table.

However, their prospects of qualifying for Europe were dented as their winless Premier League run was extended to four matches.

Antoine Semenyo should have put the Cherries back in front shortly after half-time but, unmarked six yards out, he headed Justin Kluivert’s cross against the bar.

After Norgaard’s goal, Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken saved from David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier to preserve his side’s lead.

Bournemouth stay ninth in the table, three points above 11th-placed Brentford, who remain on the fringes of the race for Europe.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

Mercy360 Blog of Saturday, 15 March 2025

Source: Mercy Mensah

Ghana’s economy is at a pivotal moment, with private capital playing an essential role in fostering business growth, creating jobs, and driving economic transformation.

The need to mobilize domestic capital, attract global investment, and provide strategic financing for high-growth SMEs has never been more pressing.

Against this backdrop, the appointment of Michael Abbey as the new CEO of the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) marks a significant milestone in shaping Ghana’s private equity and venture capital ecosystem.

As a key institution in the country’s investment landscape, VCTF’s leadership plays a crucial role in sustaining capital flows and fostering long-term economic development.

VCTF was established by an Act of Parliament to address Ghana’s SME financing gap and build a robust private capital market. The industry anticipates that the new leadership will focus on strengthening capital mobilization and deployment by engaging pension funds, insurance firms, and institutional investors to channel local capital into venture capital and private equity funds. A strategic allocation of funds will be essential to support high-impact businesses that drive job creation and economic growth.

Investor confidence and governance will also be a key priority. Transparency and accountability in fund management are critical to sustaining trust among investors. Strengthening corporate governance structures in line with global best practices will further enhance the credibility of Ghana’s private capital market. Additionally, engaging with development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and impact investors will help unlock additional capital for the sector.

Beyond capital deployment, advancing policy advocacy and ecosystem development will be essential in shaping a more enabling investment climate. Collaborating with key regulators such as the Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) will be necessary to drive regulatory reforms that facilitate private investment.

The finalization of the Limited Partnerships Act will be a crucial step in attracting more private capital. Furthermore, advocating for incentives to encourage both local and international investors to participate in venture financing will be vital in ensuring sustainable growth. VCTF’s leadership is also expected to work closely with the Ghana Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (GVCA) to support the broader private capital ecosystem.

GVCA has played a significant role in shaping Ghana’s private equity and venture capital landscape through policy advocacy, investor engagement, capacity building, and market research. By facilitating entrepreneurial development programs, GVCA has helped prepare SMEs for investment opportunities, ensuring that businesses seeking funding are well-positioned to attract investors. The association remains committed to strengthening investment regulations and improving capital allocation to foster a thriving private capital market.

The success of VCTF’s new leadership will ultimately be measured by its ability to implement these strategic priorities effectively. GVCA and the wider private capital industry are eager to collaborate in ensuring that private investment continues to drive economic transformation, unlock opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and create sustainable employment. With strong leadership and sound financial management, Ghana is well-positioned to solidify its status as a leading investment destination in Africa.

To attract the necessary investments for improving healthcare delivery, Ghana must present clear, evidence-based priorities. This evidence is best generated through research.

In pursuit of this goal, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has solicited research questions to identify data-driven solutions for better health outcomes.

Over a thousand research questions were submitted by Ghanaians from various sectors, covering areas such as maternal and newborn care, child and adolescent services, and broader healthcare concerns.

To determine which of the questions should be prioritized for further research and using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) – a team of experts made of health officers, service users, donor partners in the health sector as well as other critical stakeholders were assembled in Koforidua and tasked to score them based on their urgency, impact among others.

The team assessed and scored the questions based on urgency, impact, and feasibility.

Ghana’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, ranging from maternal and newborn health to adolescent and elderly care.

However, responses to these concerns have often been reactive rather than research-driven. For donors and development partners, funding decisions rely heavily on credible data.

Felix Osei Sarpong, Health Specialist at UNICEF Ghana, emphasized the importance of an evidence-based approach in an interview with JoyNews.

“In our work with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, we want to use evidence—evidence in all that we do in terms of support.

“Before one can really use evidence, there is a need to engage various stakeholders, get their input, so that the research agenda for the health system is actually tailored to the needs of Ghana.”

Dr. Sylvia Deganus, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist, highlighted the urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support for pregnant women.

“We’ve always realised the need for mental health and psychosocial support for pregnant women. There were a lot of issues raised in that direction, and I thought those were areas we need to explore.

“There were also questions about the quality of care we are providing to mothers—how to reduce maternal mortality. Antenatal coverage is very high, so it’s not about women coming in anymore, but what they receive when they come.”

Cynthia Nyaveh, a service user, shared her frustration with the National Ambulance Service, citing financial burdens faced by families during emergencies.

“I had a preterm baby and needed a referral to a bigger facility. Though the National Ambulance Service is publicly perceived as free, they explained that because it was outside the region, I had to support with fuel—at the time, it was about GH¢600. Imagine a parent who couldn’t afford this money—what would have happened to the baby?”

Lead Researcher Dr. Alexander Ansah Manu of the School of Public Health at the University of Ghana stressed the importance of prioritising research questions based on resource constraints and national health needs.

“If you have limited resources, prudent use of resources is critical. Prudence means having a scale of preference—what are the most important things we must tackle? The questions raised directly touch on the realities of Ghanaians. At the end of the day, I believe we will have a very useful output that the nation can use.”

On concerns about implementing research findings, Dr. Manu expressed optimism, citing Ghana’s track record of integrating research-driven strategies into national policies.

“There are no guarantees that people will implement them, but as a country, we have adhered to many of the programs we’ve developed in the past.

“While some targets are not fully met, for most, we achieve 60-80% of the objectives. If these findings feed into national strategies, there is a higher likelihood of uptake and implementation, leading to the expected outcomes.”

The outcome of this research prioritisation exercise will guide Ghana’s next steps in health research, shaping policies and interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has called on young Ghanaians to embrace the soon-to-be-launched National Apprenticeship Programme as a pathway to skills development and employment.

He reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to youth empowerment through capacity-building initiatives, infrastructure development, and vocational training.

Speaking at the International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) Ghana 2025 at the UPSA Auditorium on March 14, 2025, Ayariga outlined key NYA initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment.

He emphasised the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders on projects that align with its mission of equipping young people with essential skills for success.

“The Authority’s doors are open to all youth-related programmes and partnerships that seek to empower our young people,” he stated.

Highlighting the NYA’s ongoing efforts, Ayariga revealed that youth centres are currently being constructed across the country to serve as training and mentorship hubs.

He also announced that an upcoming initiative will focus on providing practical vocational and technical training, ensuring that participants acquire sustainable livelihood skills.

“This programme will offer hands-on training to prepare young people for real-world opportunities,” he added.

Ayariga further encouraged individuals willing to support the NYA’s initiatives by volunteering in mentorship programmes.

He stressed the vital role of guidance and support in shaping future leaders, urging experienced professionals and industry experts to contribute their expertise to youth development.

IYES Ghana, an annual summit dedicated to youth empowerment, brings together renowned speakers, industry leaders, and policymakers to engage young people in leadership, personal development, and entrepreneurship.

The event continues to serve as a significant platform for equipping Ghana’s youth with the knowledge and motivation needed to drive positive change in society.

By Morkporkpor Anku 

Accra, March 15, GNA – Dr Afua Ansare, UN Women Ghana, says the potential of youth in agribusiness is limitless, but they require access to finance, mentorship, market integration, and digital literacy. 

She called on the government to commit to policies that dismantled these barriers and unleashed their entrepreneurial spirit. 

Dr Ansare was speaking at the maiden edition of AgriBiz Youth & Women Dialogue (AYWD) on the theme: “Sustaining & Scaling Youth and Women-led Agribusiness for Economic Growth.” 

The AYWD, an initiative of Africa Skills Hub Foundation (ASH) in partnership with National Youth Authority, is a platform for young people and women in agriculture and agribusiness to share experiences, tackle challenges, and explore opportunities. 

This dialogue seeks to increase their voices, promote collaboration, and advocate for policies that enhance their participation in the sector. 

The event was to identify key challenges young people and women face in agribusiness, and propose actionable solutions and explore emerging agribusiness opportunities, including innovative financing and technology. 

It was also to advocate for policies that enhance inclusivity (youth and women) in agribusiness and facilitate networking  

to foster partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders. 

She said as “we focus on women in agriculture, we must also acknowledge their critical role as caregivers and the impact of agricultural practices on the well-being of young children.” 

Dr Ansare said women farmers were often responsible for ensuring household food security and nutrition and supporting them directly translated to healthier families and communities. 

She said to achieve sustainable transformation in agribusiness, stakeholders must bridge the gender and youth gap through these key interventions: 

She said studies demonstrated that if female farmers had equal access to productive resources, farm yields would increase by 20-30 per cent. 

She said Ghana’s agricultural financing gap was estimated at $4 billion annually, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB) and “we must prioritize and scale up targeted credit facilities specifically for women and youth in agribusiness, offering favorable terms and conditions.” 

She said in Rwanda, youth-led agribusiness innovations had already achieved a remarkable 15 per cent boost in agricultural productivity over the last five years, as reported by AfDB. 

Dr Ansare said Ghana could emulate this success by strategically investing in agritech, mechanization, and climate-smart agriculture. 

She said digital agriculture solutions had the potential to increase farm productivity by up to 70 per cent and reduce post-harvest losses by as much as 30 per cent, according to  

the World Bank. 

“Across Africa, young entrepreneurs are pioneering precision farming technologies, including drone-assisted irrigation and AI-driven soil analysis,” she added. 

She urged governments, financial institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and everyone to act decisively and collaboratively to support these group of people 

She called for investment in women, empowering young people to build a future where agriculture was not simply a means of survival, but a thriving pathway to prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development for all Ghanaians. 

“Together, let us cultivate a brighter future for Ghana’s agribusiness sector, transform lives, uplift communities, and leave a legacy of progress for generations to come,” she added. 

Mr Daniel Antwi, Executive Director of ASH, said as a dedicated enterprise support organization for youth and women, Africa Skills Hub understood the role of capacity building, capital access and community engagement in supporting and strengthening youth and women enterprises on their entrepreneurial journeys. 

He said the conversations provided insights into challenges and opportunities in youth and women-led agribusinesses. 

GNA 

CA