The MTN Ghana Foundation has invested GH¢1.2 million to empower smallholder women farmers and unemployed youth with modern agricultural skills to enhance productivity and promote sustainable livelihoods
The initiative, which forms part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration under the theme “Give to Gain,” is expected to benefit 160 smallholder women farmers and 140 unemployed youth across the country.
As part of the project, the Foundation has established a model farm at the Pantang Hospital in the La Nkwantanang Municipality to serve as a hands-on training centre for modern agricultural practices.
An initial group of 60 smallholder women farmers is being trained to improve yields and efficiency using advanced farming techniques.
The model farm is being implemented in partnership with the La Nkwantanang Municipal Department of Agriculture and Defarmercist, who are providing technical and agronomic support to strengthen the capacity of women farmers in the municipality.
Speaking at the launch of the project at Pantang, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Madam Adwoa Wiafe, said the initiative demonstrated MTN’s commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusivity within the agricultural sector.
She said the project fulfilled the Foundation’s pledge to establish a practical, skills-based platform to support women farmers in La Nkwantanang, adding that beneficiaries were expected to share acquired knowledge within their communities.
Madam Wiafe noted that the model would be replicated in other parts of the country to expand access to modern farming skills and innovations.
She disclosed that the first batch of 30 unemployed youth was currently undergoing training at the Vegetable Hub of Excellence located at the University of Ghana, Legon Farms, as part of efforts to build youth capacity in agribusiness.
The Head of the Agriculture Department of the La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly, Madam Lydia Aku Fiatuho, lauded the MTN Ghana Foundation for supporting women farmers and unemployed youth.
She said women constituted more than half of Ghana’s agricultural workforce and played a critical role in food production, adding that they were regularly recognised during Farmers’ Day celebrations.
Madam Fiatuho urged beneficiaries to take full ownership of the project and commit themselves to its success to ensure long-term sustainability.
In line with its vision of driving Africa’s progress through digital solutions, the MTN Ghana Foundation is piloting smart farming initiatives with plans for nationwide expansion.
The Foundation has also established a Vegetable Hub of Excellence at the University of Ghana in collaboration with the University of Ghana School of Agriculture and Defarmercist to support the modernisation of the agricultural sector.
By: Christian Akorlie / businesspostonline
