Prince Amoako Atta urges youth to embrace agricultural innovation

Prince Amoako Atta, the newly elected President of the Students' Representative Council (SRC) at the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies (UCAES), has issued a call to young Ghanaians to rethink their approach to farming. Addressing students and the public, Atta emphasized that the future of Ghana's development and national food security depends heavily on the active participation of the youth in an evolving agribusiness landscape. He urged his peers to move past the traditional image of farming as a subsistence activity and recognize it as a modern, technology-driven sector.

The SRC President expressed deep concern over the declining interest in agriculture among the youth, which he attributed to persistent negative perceptions of the vocation. He further identified the destructive impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as a significant threat to both the environment and the viability of future farming initiatives. According to Atta, the youth must become the primary advocates for environmental protection, as the health of the country's natural resources is inextricably linked to agricultural productivity and long-term economic stability.

To support this transition, Atta called on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize and increase investment in agricultural education. He argued that formal training and institutional support are essential to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to lead the agribusiness sector. By fostering an environment where agricultural education is accessible and well-funded, Atta believes Ghana can achieve greater food security and provide sustainable employment opportunities for its growing young population.