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
Editorial
Concern over mentally ill persons roaming Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange
Dear Sir
I write to express my concern over the growing number of mentally ill individuals roaming the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange in Accra.
This area, a vital transportation hub and commercial centre, has increasingly become home to several persons visibly suffering from mental health issues, often without adequate care or supervision.
This situation poses risks both to the affected individuals and the general public. Some of these individuals are exposed to traffic hazards, unsanitary conditions, and in some cases, hostile treatment from passersby.
There have also been reports of occasional erratic behaviour, which causes fear and discomfort among commuters and vendors.
Mental health is a public health issue, and these individuals deserve compassion, medical attention, and a safe environment.
I urge the Ministry of Health, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and relevant NGOs to collaborate on a sustainable solution including mental health outreach programmes, rehabilitation, and safe housing.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle should be a symbol of progress, not a place where the vulnerable are left to struggle. Let us act with urgency and humanity.
From John Boateng
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Editorial
Parents should encourage their wards writing BECE
Dear Editor,
AS the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes off across the country starting Wednesday, I write to encourage all candidates taking part in this important step in their academic journey.
Out of a total of 603,328 candidates taking the examination this year, 306,078 are females, whiles the rest 297,250 are males.
Over the years, the examination begins on Monday and ended on Friday but per the timetable, this year’s candidates started on Wednesday and will end next week.
The BECE is not just an exam, it is a milestone from one stage to another. It represents years of hardwork, dedication and the dreams of countless students who hope to continue their education and build a brighter future.
This is where the role of parents, teachers and society become beneficial. Let us offer not only academic support but emotional encouragement to them.
I also appeal to educational authorities to ensure fairness, proper supervision and transparency throughout the examination period.
The journey may be challenging, but with time, focus and discipline they can make it.
I wish to use this platform to wish all of them well.
Naa Koshie, Teshie
