The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, officially inaugurated the Ghana Youth Guide (GYG) initiative aimed at fortifying Ghanaian youth through Climate Smart Agriculture and Civic Organising in the Northern Region.
The event took place on Friday, March 22, 2024, with Mr. Mumuni Damma, the Coordinating Director at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, representing the Minister.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mumuni highlighted the project’s emphasis on innovation, empowerment, and sustainability. He emphasized the critical need to bolster civil societies and enhance the knowledge and resilience of young small-scale farmers in Tolon and Savelugu against the impacts of climate change.
“The intervention comes at a crucial time amidst global environmental and agricultural transformations driven by climate change and other factors,” Mr. Mumuni stated, underlining the significance of equipping youth with skills and opportunities for the future.
He underscored the government’s commitment to youth empowerment under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo’s leadership. Notable initiatives include the Business in a Box program, the Ghana Apprenticeship Programme, and the ongoing Planting for Food and Jobs phase 2 registration aimed at boosting farmers’ productivity.
Mr. Chentiwuni Salifu Abdul Fatawu, Executive Director and Founder of GYG, reiterated the project’s objective to enhance small-scale farmers’ resilience through climate-smart agricultural practices.
He announced plans to enroll farmers, including persons with disabilities, for training on these practices in Tolon and Savelugu Districts in the Northern region.
Mr. Fatawu commended the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs initiative while urging for its expansion to ensure wider farmer participation and impact.
The launch signifies a collaborative effort between government, civil society, and development partners to empower Ghana’s youth and foster sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
