Calvin Ofori Adjei
As a young Ghanaian with a passion for agriculture and a fresh degree in Agricultural Biotechnology, I am incredibly inspired by the HAPPY (Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth) Program. This program has provided thousands of youth with dignified work opportunities across four value chains: rice, poultry, tomato, and soybean, within the agribusiness space.
The HAPPY Program, an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited, is being implemented by a consortium of eight partners led by Agri-Impact Limited. Started in 2023 and spanning the next four years, this initiative offers a compelling model for empowering young people, enhancing food security, and driving economic transformation in Ghana.
The HAPPY Program is not just about farming; it’s about nurturing a new generation of agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Through comprehensive training, technical support, and premium input assistance, Agri-Impact Limited equips young people with the tools needed for success. This holistic approach is vital as it addresses not only the technical aspects of agriculture, but also the business acumen required to thrive in today’s competitive market.
The HAPPY Program exemplifies the power of public-private sector partnerships. By uniting a consortium of eight partners—comprising government agencies, NGOs, and private organizations—the program leverages each partner’s strengths to achieve its goals. This collaborative approach has expanded its reach, enabling the delivery of comprehensive training and targeted support to young farmers.
The consortium includes NewAge Agric Solutions, the National Service Scheme (NSS), Ghana Cares (MiDA), the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), TechnoServe, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Jobberman. Together, these partners demonstrate how public and private sectors can effectively address societal challenges like food security and youth unemployment.
One of the program’s most remarkable aspects is its focus on youth empowerment. By engaging young people in every stage of the agricultural value chain—from production to marketing—the program fosters a pipeline of skilled and motivated individuals who can drive innovation and sustainable growth. This focus is particularly impactful for women and persons with disabilities, who often face significant barriers to economic opportunities.
The potential impact of the HAPPY Program on Ghana’s food security is immense. By increasing agricultural productivity and reducing reliance on imports, we can ensure a stable and affordable food supply for all Ghanaians. Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on value-added products, such as processed foods and livestock, creates new markets and generates higher incomes for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs along the value chains.
As a nation, we must embrace the transformative power of agriculture. By investing in programs like HAPPY, we can create a brighter future for our youth, strengthen our economy, and secure our food supply. It’s time to harness the potential of our fertile land and skilled workforce to build a prosperous and sustainable Ghana.
As the founder and CEO of Agri-Impact Limited, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, often says, agriculture is our “Green Gold.” It has the power to create wealth, improve livelihoods, and transform our nation. By embracing this “Green Gold,” we can unlock the full potential of our agricultural sector and build a brighter future for all Ghanaians.
However, to fully realize the potential of our agricultural sector, we need greater investment in infrastructure. This includes improved roads, irrigation systems, storage facilities, and processing plants. By enhancing infrastructure, we can reduce post-harvest losses, increase market access, and improve the overall efficiency of our agricultural value chains.
I urge the government and other stakeholders to prioritize investments in agricultural infrastructure. By doing so, we can create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that benefits all Ghanaians. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more prosperous Ghana—one farm at a time.
By: Calvin Ofori Adjei
