The Bongo District Director of Health Assures Public: “Everything is Under Control” After Watermelon Incident
On Friday, the Bongo District Director of Health, Estella Abazesi, reassured the public that the situation was under control after 12 individuals were hospitalized at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo following the consumption of watermelon. Speaking to Apexnewsgh, Director Abazesi recounted how her team responded swiftly to the incident. “So, it’s last night that we also had the information. This morning, our team went to the facility to get some detailed information about what happened. We met about 12 clients at St. Clement Hospital in Bongo, and they are all doing well now,” she said. According to the Director, all the affected individuals shared a common history: they had eaten watermelon on the 24th of the month. Shortly after, they experienced vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in their admission to the hospital. Interestingly, two members of the same household who did not consume the watermelon remained healthy and showed no symptoms. Further inquiries revealed that the patients had eaten different meals that evening before consuming the watermelon. Unfortunately, Abazesi noted, “There is no leftover of the watermelon whatsoever, so we can’t really take a sample for testing. We just have to keep our ears on the ground to see what happens further.” Director Abazesi assured that, as of now, all patients are stable and recovering. “No one has the symptoms now. They are all pending for discharge, except one who will be referred due to a pre-existing condition.” The origin of the watermelon was also traced. “The watermelon was bought from the northeast, in Walewale,” she explained. “We need to keep our ears on the ground to see whether this is a larger issue. If it’s related to the watermelon, we’ll find out, but for now, all the clients are doing well.” Health officials plan to continue monitoring the situation, even after the patients are discharged. “We still do follow-ups to ensure they remain healthy,” Abazesi said. When asked about efforts to trace the source of the watermelon, Abazesi acknowledged that they were yet to meet the man who purchased it. “We will stay in touch with the assemblyman to gather more information about exactly where the watermelon was bought. Once we reach him, we can further our investigation.” Director Abazesi concluded on a reassuring note, emphasizing that the health team remained vigilant and would keep the public informed as they continued to investigate the incident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Ghana Redefines Home Internet Experience With Unlimited Fibre Packages
As part of MTN’s commitment to enabling digital inclusion and improving everyday life, MTN Ghana has introduced new speed-based Unlimited Fibre packages aimed at giving households faster internet connectivity, greater flexibility and better value as demand for reliable home broadband continues to grow across the country. The refreshed packages offer customers speeds of up to 100Mbps, 300Mbps and 500Mbps, enabling homes to support multiple online activities simultaneously, including remote work, virtual learning, video streaming, gaming and smart home applications. The new plans, available to both new and existing fibre customers, come with unlimited data and flexible subscription options designed to meet the needs of different households and internet users. Speaking on the new offering, Richard Acheampong, Chief Home Officer of MTN Ghana, said the packages were developed in response to changing customer needs and the increasing reliance on high-speed internet in homes. He said ” Home Internet connectivity has become an essential part of everyday life. Whether it is supporting children with online learning, enabling professionals to work remotely, helping entrepreneurs run their businesses or allowing families to stay connected and entertained, customers need a service that can keep pace with their lifestyles”. “As MTN marks 30 years of impact in Ghana, we are committed to ensuring that every home has access to reliable, high- speed internet that empowers people to live, learn and work better”, he added. The new fibre plans provide customers with the freedom to choose speeds that best suit their needs while enjoying the convenience of unlimited browsing. Under the revised packages, customers can subscribe to the GHS299 plan per month and enjoy speeds of up to 100Mbps. GHS444 plan per month and enjoy speeds of up to 300Mbps, GHS999 plan per month and enjoy speeds to 500Mbps. Customers who opt for longer subscription periods will also benefit from discounted rates. Quarterly subscriptions attract a five per cent discount, while semi-annual and annual subscriptions offer discounts of seven per cent and ten per cent respectively. The packages can be purchased through the MyMTN App, MTN’s Self-Service Portal and the *5057# shortcode. The introduction of the new speed-based Unlimited Fibre packages reinforces MTN Ghana’s efforts to provide innovative connectivity solutions that respond to the evolving needs of households while supporting digital inclusion and economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
PURC Announces Electricity and Water Tariff Increases Effective July 1, 2026
Consumers in Ghana will see higher electricity and water bills from July 1, 2026, following an upward review of utility tariffs announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). The decision comes as part of the Commission’s third-quarter tariff review, with electricity rates rising by 3.49 percent across the board and water tariffs increasing by 0.85 percent. In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, the PURC explained that the adjustments are part of its mandate to conduct quarterly reviews, ensuring that tariffs reflect changes in key operational factors affecting utility providers. The latest review took into account fluctuations in the cedi-dollar exchange rate, inflation, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of natural gas used for power production. To determine the new tariffs, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to one US dollar for the third quarter of 2026, reflecting a slight 0.2 percent depreciation of the cedi compared to the previous period. The Commission also cited a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 percent, down from 4.17 percent in the second quarter, and a 1.58 percent drop in the average cost of natural gas, now at USD7.9708 per MMBtu. The hydro-thermal generation mix remained unchanged, with 20.9 percent of electricity generated from hydro sources and 79.1 percent from thermal plants. Based on these indicators, PURC approved a 3.49 percent increase in electricity tariffs for all residential, non-residential, and special load customers. For residential users, the lifeline tariff for those consuming up to 30 kilowatt-hours per month will rise from 86.9Gp to 89.93Gp per kilowatt-hour. Water tariffs will also go up by 0.85 percent for all categories of customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, public institutions, and bulk users. The residential lifeline tariff for water consumption up to five cubic metres will increase from 593.49Gp to 598.54Gp per cubic metre. PURC said the quarterly adjustments are designed to maintain the real value of tariffs and ensure the financial viability of utility providers, allowing them to continue delivering reliable services. The Commission emphasized its commitment to monitoring service providers’ performance and enforcing regulatory standards to guarantee value for money and improved service delivery. The PURC expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their ongoing support and noted that details of the new tariffs will be published in the Gazette and on the Commission’s website. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
British Actress Among Three Charged After $296 Million Meth Seizure Linked to Ghanaian Shipment in Australia
Australian authorities have charged three people, including a British actress, after intercepting about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment from Ghana, an operation that prevented drugs worth an estimated A$296 million from flooding Australian streets. Emaa Hussen, 34, known for roles in an EastEnders spin-off and a Jason Statham film, was arrested and appeared in a Sydney court on Thursday. She faces charges of attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine into Australia and was previously denied bail after being charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that can result in life imprisonment. The case began in April 2026, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at Sydney’s Port Botany detected irregularities in two shipping containers arriving from Ghana. Declared as bags of charcoal, the containers were subjected to x-ray scans, revealing a white crystalline substance. Initial tests confirmed it was methamphetamine, and further forensic examination verified that the consignment contained approximately 320 kilograms of the illicit drug. In a controlled operation, authorities removed the drugs but allowed the shipment to proceed to a storage facility in Girraween on April 20, 2026. There, investigators allege Hussen supervised a group of men as they unpacked the container. Some of the bags were then loaded into a vehicle and taken to a house in Blacktown. Shortly afterward, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers executed a search warrant at the Blacktown property, arresting Hussen and seizing 32 bags allegedly used to conceal the meth, along with electronic devices and a notebook now undergoing forensic analysis. The investigation quickly expanded. In South Australia, AFP officers executed a search warrant at an Oakden residence on April 30, 2026. There they arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, accusing them of trying to rent storage units in Sydney with false identities to facilitate the illegal operation. Both appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on May 1, 2026, charged with dealing in identification information to aid drug possession and failing to comply with a court order under the Crimes Act. They were remanded in custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on September 2, 2026. AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said authorities were still working to identify the full network behind the attempted importation. “This operation highlights the agility of the AFP and our partners to investigate complex matters across jurisdictions and stop organised crime syndicates in their tracks,” Robinson stated. He emphasized that the seizure, which equates to an estimated 3.2 million street deals, demonstrates the AFP’s ability to operate seamlessly across borders. ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton commended the vigilance of border officers in detecting increasingly sophisticated smuggling tactics. “Criminal syndicates will go to great lengths to disguise illicit drugs, including embedding them in everyday goods like charcoal, but our highly skilled officers are trained to see beyond these attempts,” he said. Leighton stressed the importance of close collaboration with law enforcement partners to hold traffickers accountable and protect Australian communities. Investigations into the broader network and the origins of the shipment remain ongoing. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Controller and Accountant-General Unveils Plan to Recover Student Loan Debts from 4,000 Public Sector Workers
At the launch of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Controller and Accountant-General Kwesi Agyei made a significant revelation: nearly 4,000 public sector employees currently on the government payroll have outstanding student loan debts. Addressing the assembled audience, Mr. Agyei explained that his department is now partnering with the SLTF to develop a more robust system for recovering these loans. The plan, he revealed, is to implement payroll deductions, ensuring that repayments are made directly from the salaries of beneficiaries who work in the public sector. Mr. Agyei emphasized the importance of strengthening loan repayment mechanisms to safeguard the sustainability of the student loan scheme. “Ensuring that loans are repaid is the only way the Fund can continue to support future generations of students,” he noted, highlighting the revolving nature of the Fund. According to Mr. Agyei, the partnership between the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) and the SLTF will make it easier to identify public sector workers who are beneficiaries of the student loan scheme, and to recover outstanding debts efficiently through the government payroll platform. He further explained that, once all necessary legal and regulatory frameworks are in place, the loan repayments could become statutory deductions, just like PAYE taxes and SSNIT contributions. This, he said, will improve compliance and streamline the recovery process for the SLTF. Discussions on the details of the arrangement, he disclosed, will soon begin between the CAGD and the Student Loan Trust Fund. Mr. Agyei expressed confidence that the initiative will not only strengthen loan recovery efforts, but also protect the integrity of the Fund and ensure that more students can continue to benefit from financial support for higher education. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Uncovering the Challenges of Isaac Adongo’s Grinding Mill Projects
Development projects led by Members of Parliament (MPs) are often viewed as lifelines for communities, bridging the gap between local needs and national resources. Beyond their constitutional roles of legislation and oversight, MPs like Hon. Isaac Adongo of Bolgatanga Central have taken on direct intervention projects to address pressing grassroots issues and promote equitable resource distribution. One such intervention, the grinding mill project spearheaded by Hon. Adongo, was envisioned as a beacon of economic empowerment and relief for rural communities. Funded through the MP’s District Assembly Common Fund, the initiative set out to benefit fifteen communities by providing grinding mills to ease economic hardship and support local livelihoods. However, a recent findings by Apexnewsgh has revealed troubling challenges threatening the project’s success. In early June 2026, Apexnewsgh visited nine out of the fifteen beneficiary communities to assess the state of the grinding mill projects. The findings were sobering: all sites visited were either inactive or completely non-operational, each facing unique but significant obstacles. Common issues included: Locked and unused facilities Incomplete machinery installation Mismatched or missing machine parts Lack of electricity supply Buildings without grinding mills or with uninstalled equipment In several cases, facilities stood empty or had equipment that was never commissioned. For instance, at one site, the utility pole intended for power supply lay uninstalled on the ground. At others, critical machine parts were missing or incompatible, rendering the mills unusable from the outset. Community members and Assembly member expressed deep frustration. In Sumbrungu-Atoobisi, Assembly member Hon. Azure Samuel lamented his exclusion from the project’s planning and implementation, highlighting a lack of stakeholder engagement and gaps in accountability. “I have nothing to say because I was not carried along as a community leader,” he said, voicing a sentiment echoed in other communities. The investigation painted a picture of locked doors, silent machines, and mounting disillusionment, a far cry from the promise of economic empowerment. Detailed Findings by Community Sumbrungu-Nyobongo: Facility connected to electricity and fitted with a meter, but not yet linked to the grinding mill. The community awaits final electrical connections; the facility remains locked. Amogrebisi (Atoobisi Electoral Area): Building connected to power and metered, but locked and non-operational. Assembly member unable to give account of the project in his commutiy because he was not consulted on the project. Sumbrungu Akuka Women’s Centre: Machines and electricity are in place, but the motor was yet to be not installed as at the day Apexnewsgh visited. The entrance is secured with stones instead of locks, raising concerns about security and maintenance. Azorobisi: Facility operated only briefly at commissioning before a mechanical fault was detected. Since then, it has remained closed and unused. Kolgo Aguusi: Grinding mill non-operational; community members say parts are faulty and require replacement, despite electricity being connected. Kunbangre: No power connection, no electric meter installed, and the utility pole remains on the ground. The building is painted but unused. Sherigu-Baseongo: Building connected to power, but the grinding mill machine was never installed as at the day Apexnewsgh visited.. Dorongo-Aperika: We observed that the building was powered and metered, but grinding machine parts are mismatched and separated, leaving the machine inoperable. Tindonmolgo: Facility appears ready, with power and meter in place, but remains non-operational as the community plans a meeting to address usage before the official launch. It is important to note that Apexnewsgh was able to visit only nine out of the fifteen planned beneficiary communities; the operational status of grinding mill facilities in the remaining six communities could not be verified. MP’s Response and Acknowledgement Following weeks of findings, Apexnewsgh met Hon. Isaac Adongo during repair efforts at Dorongo-Aperika, where he personally supervised the matching of machine parts and ensured electricity credit was purchased to facilitate repairs. Hon. Adongo explained that while community members were familiar with grinding mill operation, incompatible replacement parts had stalled progress. He pledged to see the machine operational before leaving. Looking ahead, Hon. Adongo identified the need for comprehensive operator training across all fifteen communities, stressing that each grinding mill required specific operational skills. He called on suppliers to offer in-depth training for local operators, ensuring sustainability and effective use of the facilities. Addressing challenges in Baseongo and Kunbangre, the MP cited site preparation delays and electricity access issues, sometimes caused by land disputes and the need for additional infrastructure. On funding and transparency, he clarified that the project was funded from his common fund in partnership with the district assembly, which maintains detailed financial records. The project’s total cost, according to credible sources, stands at GHS 1,334,443.90, with each unit, including structure, electrification, supply, and installation, costing GHS 88,962.93. Responding to concerns about the exclusion of Assembly members like Hon. Azure Samuel, Hon. Adongo acknowledged the oversight, promising to involve such leaders in future engagements and ensure greater stakeholder inclusion. Recommendations for Project Success To overcome these challenges and realize the grinding mill project’s original goal, the following recommendations are proposed: Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Involve Assembly members, community leaders, and local groups in planning, implementation, and monitoring. Regularly update communities on project status and address concerns promptly. Establish a project committee in each community to oversee operations and gather feedback. Complete Installation and Commissioning Conduct a comprehensive audit of all sites to identify incomplete installations and faulty machinery. Work with suppliers and technicians to ensure all machines are properly installed, tested, and commissioned before handover. Resolve Power Supply and Infrastructure Issues Liaise with the Volta River Authority (VRA) for timely power connections. Address issues such as uninstalled utility poles or delayed electrification urgently. Consider alternative power solutions where grid connection is not feasible. Provide Comprehensive Operator Training Organize hands-on training sessions for local operators, tailored to the specific machinery installed. Ensure training covers troubleshooting, maintenance, and safe operation. Establish Routine Maintenance and Rapid Response Mechanisms Set up regular inspection and servicing schedules. Develop clear fault-reporting and rapid repair processes. Allocate a small fund for emergency repairs and spare parts. Promote Transparency and Community Ownership Publicize
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire Join Forces to Harmonise Cocoa Pricing, Boost Farmers’ Incomes
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s two leading cocoa producers, have taken a historic step to harmonise their cocoa producer pricing policies. This landmark agreement aims to improve the livelihoods of millions of cocoa farmers, strengthen market stability, and foster deeper cooperation between the two nations. The announcement came from Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, following the 7th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), held in Abidjan on June 16, 2026. Presenting the committee’s conclusions, Dr. Forson revealed that both countries would adopt measures to align farm gate prices, ensuring that cocoa farmers on both sides of the border receive comparable incomes for their crops. Key elements of the agreement include enhanced collaboration between trading rooms, increased sharing of market data, and the harmonisation of cocoa crop calendars. By aligning the principles used to set cocoa prices, the two countries hope to reduce disparities in producer prices and eliminate cross-border price differentials that have historically contributed to smuggling and market instability. To turn this vision into reality, a technical task force made up of experts from both countries will be established. Their mission: to develop a coordinated pricing framework and periodically review producer prices to keep them fair and competitive. Another significant milestone is the agreement to harmonise cocoa crop calendars, with the cocoa year now set to run from September 1 to August 31, starting with the 2026/2027 season. This synchronisation is expected to streamline market operations and make price management more efficient. The steering committee, co-chaired by Dr. Forson and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Bruno Nabagné Koné, reaffirmed its commitment to long-term coordination in cocoa price management and marketing. The meeting also explored avenues for scientific cooperation, sustainable cocoa production, and regional collaboration, all with the goal of building a more resilient and prosperous cocoa sector. Together, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire account for more than half of global cocoa output. By working hand in hand, they are not only improving the welfare of their farmers but also setting a new course for stability and sustainability in the world cocoa market. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Energy Minister Pledges Action After Receiving Akosombo Substation Fire Report
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured the public that the government will take decisive action following the submission of the final report on the recent fire at the Akosombo Substation. Addressing the media on Thursday, June 11, Dr. Jinapor confirmed that he had officially received the findings from the investigative committee tasked with looking into the cause and circumstances of the incident. He emphasized that the government would thoroughly review the committee’s conclusions and recommendations before determining the necessary steps to address the situation. “Accountability is a top priority,” Dr. Jinapor stated, assuring Ghanaians that any measures taken would be grounded in the evidence and recommendations provided by the committee. He explained that the investigation was launched to uncover the facts behind the fire and to lay the groundwork for preventing similar incidents in the future. The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting critical energy infrastructure and maintaining the reliability and stability of Ghana’s power transmission system. The Akosombo Substation fire had sparked concerns about the security of key installations, prompting the swift establishment of an investigative committee. The government is expected to announce its next steps once a comprehensive review of the report and its recommendations has been completed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Champions Expansion of West African Gas Pipeline to Drive Regional Growth
At the opening of the West African Gas Summit (WAGS) 2026 in Accra, the government renewed its call for the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline and other cross-border gas infrastructure projects, underscoring their importance in deepening energy integration and supporting economic growth across the region. Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, delivering remarks on behalf of the sector minister, highlighted the pipeline’s success as a testament to the benefits of regional cooperation. However, he stressed that further investments are necessary to unlock West Africa’s abundant gas resources and fully realise the potential of interconnection and cross-border trade. “The West African Gas Pipeline shows what is achievable, but there is still significant potential to expand interconnection and cross-border trade. The more integrated our markets are, the more resilient and appealing they become,” he told participants. Describing natural gas as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, and improved living standards, Gyan-Mensah noted that resources alone are not enough. He emphasised the need for robust infrastructure, sound policies, and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable development. “For West Africa, gas must be central, not just as an end in itself, but as a tool for industrialisation, economic transformation, and improved living standards,” he remarked. He revealed that Ghana’s domestic gas fields currently supply about 80 percent of the natural gas used in power generation and industry, helping to lower electricity costs and bolster energy security. Any disruption in gas supply, he warned, forces reliance on more expensive liquid fuels, a burden on both power generation and the broader economy. Gyan-Mensah also called for greater private sector participation to finance the region’s ambitious gas infrastructure projects, pointing out that governments alone cannot shoulder the immense investment required for transformation. The summit, organised by the Gas Consortium and the West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority, brought together policymakers, regulators, investors, and industry leaders to chart a course for accelerated gas sector development and deeper regional energy integration throughout West Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Reimagining Agriculture for Ghana’s Jobless Youth
Across Ghana, the question of youth unemployment is no longer just a policy concern—it is a national urgency. With an estimated 1.9 million young people classified as Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), the challenge is not only about job scarcity, but also about missed opportunities, underdeveloped skills, and an economy yet to fully harness its most dynamic population group. Yet, within this challenge lies one of Ghana’s greatest untapped solutions: agriculture. Despite being one of the country’s strongest economic pillars—contributing significantly to GDP, manufacturing, and services—agriculture continues to struggle with a perception problem among young people. It is often seen as labour-intensive, outdated, or a “last resort” rather than a modern, profitable, and innovative career path. The result is a widening gap between a sector full of opportunity and a generation searching for livelihoods. Despite agriculture’s central role in Ghana’s economy, many young people remain disengaged from the sector due to several structural and perception-based barriers. A major challenge is the lack of practical, hands-on training in modern agriculture, with many exposed only to traditional farming methods that do not reflect agribusiness as a structured, profit-driven enterprise. There is also limited entrepreneurial knowledge, making it difficult for youth to transition from production into value addition, branding, marketing, and scaling agricultural ventures. Poor access to markets and financing further discourages participation, while weak mentorship systems leave many without guidance to navigate the complexities of agribusiness. Perhaps most significantly, agriculture continues to suffer from a negative perception among young people, often seen as physically demanding and economically unattractive. These challenges have contributed to rising unemployment, rural-urban migration, and the underutilisation of Ghana’s agricultural potential. Yet, in the midst of this challenge, agriculture is quietly re-emerging as one of the most viable solutions. The Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme (YAEP), an initiative of GrowAfrica For Me (GAFM), is designed to reposition agriculture as a modern, profitable, and innovation-driven career path for young people aged 18 to 35. Based in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, GAFM is a social innovation and enterprise support organisation focused on equipping entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs with the tools to thrive. Through YAEP, it is targeting one of Ghana’s most critical development gaps—youth unemployment in a sector that remains underutilised despite its economic importance. The programme is a one-month intensive, hands-on training that combines modern agricultural practices with entrepreneurship and business development skills. It is designed to transform participants from job seekers into job creators within the agribusiness value chain. YAEP seeks to reverse this trend by building a structured pathway that takes participants from training to enterprise creation. The first phase focuses on intensive training in key agribusiness areas, including foundation to agribusiness, the agribusiness model canvas, marketing management, production and operations, financial management, human resource management, and risk management. This phase introduces participants to agriculture as a structured business system rather than an informal subsistence activity. The second phase provides coaching and mentorship, pairing participants with industry experts who offer guidance, technical support, and real-world insights. The third phase focuses on enterprise matching, where participants are exposed to functioning agribusinesses to understand practical operations, challenges, and opportunities along the value chain. The final phase provides start-up support, including advisory services and in-kind assistance to help participants launch their own agribusiness ventures. The overall objective of YAEP is to empower young people with practical agricultural and entrepreneurial skills that enhance employability and foster self-employment. Specifically, it seeks to build capacity in modern agricultural practices, equip youth with agribusiness and entrepreneurial skills, promote agriculture as a viable and profitable career path, support the development of sustainable agribusiness models, and reduce youth unemployment through enterprise creation. The anticipated impact of the Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme (YAEP) is already visible among its participants. For Evelyn Zakaria from Bolga-Soe, the programme represents a doorway into agribusiness independence. Inspired by other young women already thriving in agriculture, she hopes to build a business in agro-processing, particularly in groundnut paste production. For her, YAEP is not just training—it is a pathway to ownership and economic empowerment. Similarly, John Abagna from the Bolgatanga East District sees agriculture as a field of endless opportunity. He believes the practical skills acquired through YAEP will enable him not only to support himself but also to create jobs for others. His ambition reflects a broader shift: young people increasingly viewing agriculture as a platform for employment creation, not dependency. For the Executive Director of GrowAfrica For Me, Albert Shiebila Mali, the significance of YAEP goes beyond training. He notes that agriculture remains one of Ghana’s strongest economic sectors, contributing significantly to GDP and supporting both manufacturing and services, yet its full potential is still constrained by low youth participation. Citing national statistics, he highlights that about 1.9 million young people in Ghana are currently NEET. YAEP, he explains, is a direct response to this challenge, designed to turn agriculture into a practical solution for youth unemployment. He emphasises that modern agribusiness success is no longer driven only by production but by business models, innovation, and value chain thinking. As such, participants are introduced to tools like the business model canvas to help them design sustainable enterprises. Beyond training, the programme integrates mentorship, enterprise exposure, and start-up support to ensure long-term impact. YAEP is supported by key agribusiness partners, including Buju Farms, Yesumde Ghana Limited, ICOUR, and Just Fertilizer. These partners provide technical expertise, industry exposure, and practical learning opportunities for participants. GrowAfrica For Me has also engaged media platforms such as GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga and Mike FM in Navrongo to promote awareness and encourage youth participation in agriculture. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Prosper Adankai/Contributor