Bono Region to Host Youth Agriculture Summit

The Bono Region will host Ghana's first Youth Agriculture Summit on May 22, 2026. The event aims to foster agri-entrepreneurship. This initiative seeks to diversify Ghana's economy and create new jobs. Over 2,000 young people are expected to attend the summit in Sunyani.

The summit's theme is "Economic Diversification through Agri-Entrepreneurship." It highlights agriculture as a key path for young people. The goal is to offer stable and meaningful careers. The project wants to tackle youth unemployment. It will create chances within the agricultural sector. Graduates and youths will gain practical skills. They will build strong small and medium-sized agribusinesses. This will also strengthen food systems. Youth-led agriculture will reduce poverty.

The summit is part of a larger national effort. This campaign aims to increase youth involvement in farming. It covers food production and value chain development. Education and skills training are also included. Entrepreneurship in agriculture is a major focus. Evans Kyere-Mensah, Executive Director of Agricwealth Ghana, is the convener. He stated the summit aligns with a five-year vision. This vision targets training one million Ghanaian youth. The training will cover agriculture value chains.

Mr. Kyere-Mensah is an experienced cassava farmer. He is also a Global Council Member of the World Agricultural Forum. The Bono Region summit will launch a nationwide rollout. This rollout plans to reach all 16 regions within one year. The summit is expected to help economic diversification. It will raise youth participation in agriculture. Sustainable food production across the country will improve.

The initiative addresses critical economic needs. Ghana's economy relies heavily on agriculture. However, youth engagement has been low. Agri-entrepreneurship offers a modern approach. It can transform traditional farming practices. This can lead to increased productivity and income. The government has often spoken about diversifying the economy. This summit directly supports that goal. It focuses on a vital sector for national development.

The Bono Region was chosen for this launch. It has significant agricultural potential. Such events can attract investment. They can also foster innovation. The training programs post-summit are key. They will help participants develop solid business plans. They will learn how to manage agricultural value chains effectively. This practical support is crucial for success. It bridges the gap between learning and doing.

The success of this summit will be measured by its impact. This includes the number of new agri-SMEs formed. It also includes job creation figures. Changes in youth attitudes towards agriculture are important. The long-term goal of training one million youth is ambitious. It requires sustained effort and resources. This summit is a crucial first step in that direction. It sets a precedent for future regional events.