Agriculture can help address youth unemployment in Upper East Region – Richard Akoka
Akoka said farming remains one of the most practical and sustainable avenues for job creation, especially if the right support systems are put in place.
Commercial farmer and Upper East Regional Chairman of the Network of Farmers and Innovators Platform, Richard Akoka, has emphasized the enormous potential of agriculture in addressing youth unemployment in the region.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Monday, December 1, Akoka said farming remains one of the most practical and sustainable avenues for job creation, especially if the right support systems are put in place.
“A lot of young graduates are sitting at home with their certificates and no jobs. Meanwhile, we have vast lands. If these young people are provided with the necessary farm tools and support, many will gladly go into agriculture. The major challenge is the starting capital and resources. Farming can solve the big problem of unemployment.” He stated.
Akoka also highlighted key challenges confronting farmers in the Upper East Region, including the high cost of inputs, limited access to mechanization services, and the lack of ready markets for produce.
According to him, many financial institutions remain hesitant to support farmers due to climate-related risks and market uncertainties.
“Accessing credit is a major problem because financial institutions do not trust the farming sector, considering issues such as rainfall failure, fire outbreaks, or market fluctuations. Mechanization is another challenge, farmers struggle to get tractor services at the right time, and combine harvesters during the harvest season. This year, we have faced a very serious market problem,” He explained.
Akoka warned that these difficulties discourage many young people from venturing into agriculture, urging government to prioritize farmers’ concerns to make the sector more attractive and profitable.
Despite the challenges, he insisted that farming remains a lucrative venture for those who approach it with seriousness and consistency.
“Farming is a business, and any business you take seriously will yield results. I have taken farming as my main business and I have seen the results, that is why I am still here today. Farming is very beneficial depending on how serious you take it.”
Akoka encouraged farmers not to give up when they face setbacks, stressing that agriculture holds great potential for economic transformation and youth empowerment in the region
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