Editorial
Engage youth in agriculture for jobs and food security
Encouragement of youth involvement in agriculture can help develop jobs for them and assure food security as farming is one of the sectors that can reduce unemployment in the nation.
It is remarkable that the majority of Ghana’s youth complain about unemployment rather than working in agriculture to support them. Ghana has a large amount of agricultural land.
Farmers have improved their agricultural practices over the years, becoming more independent and some even earning accolades locally, nationally, or even worldwide.
While there is a propensity for young people to go to cities and towns in quest of unattainable greener pastures, when one travels outside of Accra to the hinterlands, one typically finds vast undeveloped arable fields.
Farming offers the young generation the ability to make a difference by producing enough food to feed themselves, their families, and even the country, therefore it is surprising that they are not motivated to take use of this potential.
An illustration of this is the National Service Scheme’s (NSS) investment in a large-scale commercial farming operation at Abotantire in the Sekyere Afram Plains District of the Ashanti Region as part of the Sekyere Kumawu Economic Enclave Project (SKEEP).
The goal is to prepare young people to work in commercial agriculture with a concentration on the production of maize, rice, soy, catfish, tilapia, and poultry.
When the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum visited the place recently with some executives of the NSS they were so impressed with what they saw as the investment has yielded much results to provide food for the National Buffer Stock Company (NABCO) to support the free senior high school (SHS) and school-feeding programmes.
The project is admirable, and the Spectator thinks that if it is adopted by other regions, sustained farming will provide the future generation a great chance to improve food security, reduce starvation, and aid in the agricultural sector’s adaptation to climate change.
The youth need education, technical training, and resources like land and money to contribute to local, national, and global development if they are to view agriculture as a lucrative and exciting career path.
Families and schools can start a backyard garden (as was done in the past during the operation-feed-yourself programme) to grow vegetables like tomatoes, okra, and peppers at home and in schools so that the youth can practise farming until it becomes part of them.
There is a need for alternatives to maintain food security in these challenging economic times because there are few resources and the government is struggling to feed pupils due to the rising number of students attending SHS.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
