The National Service Scheme (NSS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the World Food Program (WFP) under the visionary “Deployment for Employment” initiative.
This landmark collaboration seeks to bolster the country’s agricultural prospects while alleviating the burden of unemployment on the government.
The Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Honorable Osei Assibey Antwi, speaking during the official signing ceremony, underscored the organization’s remarkable achievements, notably highlighting the success of the Kumawu farms.
He noted that the Kumawu farm, which is managed by the scheme encompasses an expansive 20,000 acres of fertile land, has become a beacon of agricultural excellence, catering to the country’s burgeoning market demands.
Touching on the National Service Scheme partnership with the World Food Program, Mr Assibey Antwi noted that the partnership embodies a commitment to experiential learning, national development, and the empowerment of graduates in the country.
He expressed confidence that, the scheme partnership with the World Food Program would go a long way to help the government to address the alarming youth unemployment in the country.
Furthermore, the National Service Scheme Executive Director underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in propelling Ghana’s agricultural sector towards unprecedented growth and resilience.
According to him, together with the World Food Program and other stakeholders, the National Service Scheme aims to cultivate a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs, catalyzing economic prosperity and ensuring food security for future generations.
“As we embark on this journey towards agricultural transformation, let’s celebrate proactive partnerships and collective action. Together, we can unlock new opportunities and forge a brighter future for Ghana’s agricultural sector”
Honorable Osei Assibey Antwi
Mr Assibey Antwi, while emphasizing the pivotal role of agriculture in fostering prosperity, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Barbara Clemens, the esteemed Country Director of the World Food Program for her instrumental role in making the partnership between the two groups possible.
Mr Assibey Antwi further acknowledged the indispensable support of the Mastercard Foundation in facilitating the transformative alliance between the National Service Scheme and the World Food Program.
NSS Signs Irrigation Agreement To Boost Farming
Meanwhile, the Executive Director for the National Service Scheme (NSS) announced that the scheme has signed a contract with the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) for the construction of some irrigation facilities under its Afram Plains Agricultural Zone one project.
He specifically indicated that the agreement will develop new large-scale irrigation infrastructure at three strategic locations including Ataneata-Nkwantanang in the Afram Plains South District and Ahinase-Pitiku in Kwahu East District, both in the Eastern Region as well as the Kumawu Economic Enclave in the Ashanti Region.
“Under the terms of the contract I signed on behalf of NSS, service personnel will be assigned to collaborate with GIDA engineers and technicians. The service personnel and the teams will construct irrigation dams, canals, and distribution systems to harness water resources.
“This represents an invaluable opportunity for our personnel to gain vital experience in water resource management, construction, and agricultural development. I’m proud the NSS can play such a pivotal role in this transformative infrastructure project for Ghana”.
Honorable Osei Assibey Antwi
The Honorable Osei Assibey Antwi also stated that the initiative will bring thousands of acres of land within the three district under sustainable irrigation, which would go a long way to unlock the economic power of the fertile land of the respective areas.
He emphasized that, while the initiative would boost productivity of farmers in such localities, it would also help ensure food security, increase farmer incomes, and improve the overall economic growth of the country.
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