In a bid to transform the agricultural sector and tackle unemployment, Minister of State for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at boosting food production, enhancing job opportunities, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Speaking on the subject, he elaborated on key initiatives under the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda and the National Job Creation Strategy, which seek to uplift both the agricultural sector and the labor market.
Kwakye Ofosu detailed the government’s commitment to revitalizing agriculture through a set of strategic programs.
First, he emphasized that the Nkoko Nkitinki policy was not merely about distributing chicks to farmers but rather a holistic intervention spanning multiple agricultural sub-sectors.
The minister particularly stressed the need to revive the poultry industry, which he described as having collapsed.
“Essentially, we are starting with poultry, but we are aware that there are many other things that can be done within the framework of animal husbandry, snail rearing, and other ventures.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Minister of State for Government Communications
To support these initiatives, the government has earmarked GHS 1.5 billion to kick-start agricultural transformation.
“Some have raised the issue about whether or not this is adequate, but given the state of the economy and the resource constraints that we have, the government has put in this money in the belief that if we start this way and show consistency, we are going to get to a situation where the industry grows.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Minister of State for Government Communications
He projected that as the economy expands, further investments will be made into the sector to sustain growth and ensure that more Ghanaians venture into agriculture as a viable means of employment
The Fight Against Unemployment
Kwakye Ofosu also addressed the growing concern of unemployment, particularly among the youth.
“In the 2024 elections, the youth rallied around us because of the expectations they had—expectations that given the difficulties they had been through, which ensured that up to about 2 million Ghanaian youth did not have employment, we were going to do things that would ensure that they find some employment.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Minister of State for Government Communications
Among the key initiatives introduced to tackle unemployment is the 1 Million Coders Program, which aims to equip young people with digital skills relevant in today’s job market.
The program includes training in web design, web hosting, and other ICT-related fields, with an allocation of GHS 100 million. The minister further revealed plans for a fintech fund to support technology-driven businesses and startups.
Another significant avenue for job creation is the Big Push Program, a large-scale infrastructure development initiative designed to create employment opportunities.
“The process of spending on construction of these major projects would involve the employment of persons, both skilled and unskilled, to help execute the project.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Minister of State for Government Communications
He elaborated on the various professionals and workers who would benefit from this initiative, including civil engineers, architects, draftsmen, surveyors, quantity surveyors, carpenters, masons, steel benders, and general laborers. He said;
“If you spend money to build a road, to build railways, to build facilities in the ICT sector, to build energy infrastructure, you are going to employ these people.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Minister of State for Government Communications
National Apprenticeship Program
Kwakye Ofosu also emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering young people through technical and vocational training under the National Apprenticeship Program.
“On my own, as someone who was vying to contest the Asebu-Kwamankese seat, I distributed about 200 machines—sewing machines, hair dryers, hair clippers to many young people. At a point, every week, I was invited to a graduation ceremony because these people had graduated. And when they graduate, they set up on their own because they already have a machine.’’
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Minister of State for Government Communications
He indicated that under the national apprenticeship program, the government will engage master craftsmen—experienced professionals in fields like dressmaking, welding, masonry, and carpentry—to train young apprentices. Upon completion, these apprentices will receive a set of tools to help them establish their businesses.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, an initial GHS 375 million has been allocated to this initiative, with plans to scale it up over time.
Kwakye Ofosu’s remarks underscore the government’s strategic approach to economic transformation through agriculture and job creation.
With major investments in agriculture, digital skills training, infrastructure development, and vocational training, the government aims to create sustainable employment opportunities and drive economic growth.
The success of these programs, however, will depend on consistent funding, effective implementation, and continuous monitoring to ensure that the intended beneficiaries reap the full benefits.
READ ALSO; Ghana Needs Economic Shock Absorbers, Not IMF Interventions- Prof. Gatsi
