Editorial
Youth in Innovative Agriculture laudable initiative
Dear Editor,
I have been waiting for an initiative like the Youth in Innovative Agriculture Support Programme for sometime now, and I think this is an answered prayer.
According to the World Bank Group, Agriculture is the engine of growth of every economy. It should be a great opportunity for a country like Ghana, blessed with a fertile land, to have most of its youthful population entering the Agriculture sector but this has not been the case.
The question I have always asked myself is why are the youth ‘running away’ from a sector known to be an engine of growth of the Economy? I’m optimistic that this initiative is capable of solving the problems highlighted below:
One of the problems most youth faces in this country is difficulty in accessing fund or loans from financial institutions. Financial institutions usually are always unwilling to give out loans to farmers, especially the young ones. Since the Ministry of Finance is funding this programme, the problem of inaccessibility of fund or credit facilities from financial institutions is solved.
I am much confident that the interest the beneficiaries of this Programme would pay would be very affordable and convenient as compared with the high interest rate on loans financial institutions charge.
Most young farmers manage and supervise their own activities. The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) would set up a supervisory team that would be charged to supervise the activities of the beneficiaries. This is a novelty and I believe the technical support and expertise would yield results, as the programme would help reduce food shortage.
Having highlighted some of the benefits of the programme, I would plead with the NEIP to discharge its mandate without any favouritism or partisanship. The programme would be a success if the selection process is transparent.
The Youth in Innovative Agriculture Support Programme has so far received thousand of applications since it was launched. The application is expected to end February 5, 2022 and I urge young people interested in agriculture to apply for this life-changing opportunity.
May God bless our Homeland Ghana.
Justice Phinehas Gyesi
Founder/Executive Director, Giveth Hand International
Email:gyesijusticephinehas@gmail.com
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the poor state of the railway crossing area of the Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which is increasingly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
The damaged section of the road has become a major inconvenience to motorists, as vehicles are forced to slow down considerably when approaching the crossing to avoid damaging their tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
This situation causes unnecessary delays, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
The crossing is an important route for commuters and commercial drivers who use the Circle area to connect to other parts of the capital.
The deteriorating road surface therefore affects not only individual motorists but also the general movement of vehicles through this busy transport hub.
Beyond the inconvenience, the situation could increase the risk of minor accidents as drivers brake suddenly or attempt to manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road.
I respectfully appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant agencies to inspect the affected section and undertake urgent repairs to restore the smooth movement of traffic.
Timely intervention will reduce delays, improve road safety and make commuting through the Circle area more convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the increasing cost of hostel accommodation, particularly for students in tertiary institutions.
The high cost of hostels has become a serious challenge for many students and their parents.
In some areas, hostel fees have increased significantly, making it difficult for students from low- and middle-income families to secure decent accommodation.
Apart from the hostel fees, students also have to pay for transportation, food, learning materials and other academic needs.
The rising cost of accommodation therefore puts additional financial pressure on families and, in some cases, forces students to live in overcrowded or poorly maintained facilities.
I believe hostel owners and relevant authorities must work together to ensure that accommodation remains affordable while maintaining acceptable standards.
Tertiary institutions should also consider expanding student accommodation and encouraging affordable private hostel projects.
The government and local authorities could further support the development of low-cost student accommodation through appropriate policies and incentives.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.
Affordable and decent accommodation is essential to creating a conducive environment for students to study and succeed.
This has in a way also empowered the private people in the accommodation sector to take undue advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant rates for their services.
Kwame Ampiaw,
Accra
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