Over 200 Young Agri-Entrepreneurs Graduate from AAMUSTED’s Agripreneurship Short Courses

Accra: Over 200 young agri-entrepreneurs, predominantly women, have successfully completed a 12-week intensive market-driven training program at the Asante Mampong Campus of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) in the Ashanti Region. The training aimed to equip participants, including 10 Persons Living with Disabilities (PwDs), with essential entrepreneurial and marketing skills to enhance and expand their businesses. According to Ghana News Agency, the graduation marks a significant milestone in the implementation of AAMUSTED's 'Accelerating Change Through Innovation in Agricultural TVET' (ACTIVATE) project. This initiative, supported by World University Services of Canada (WUSC) and the Mastercard Foundation, seeks to establish a more gender-responsive and inclusive agricultural training system that promotes sustainable employment and resilience among youth. Dr. Benjamin Aboagye Danso, the Project Coordinator, highlighted the university's commit ment to addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth. He noted that this training represented the first cohort of the project's short courses, which ran from August to November 2025. The course offered practical modules in various areas, including post-harvest handling and food processing, livestock health management, non-traditional agriculture production, and vegetable production and primary processing. Dr. Danso shared that project data indicated impressive pre-graduation outcomes, with 132 learners already generating income from their newly acquired skills. Additionally, 114 entrepreneurs received assistance in formally registering their businesses and accessing low-interest loans through partners Agrinvest and the Nsutaman Rural Bank. All 24 graduates from the livestock health management course were placed under mentorship with veterinary field personnel, further solidifying the program's impact. Addressing the graduates, Mr. Issifu Yakubu, the Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of utilizing their skills to foster sustainable economic growth. He assured the graduates of the government's continued support through initiatives like the Adwumawura Feed Ghana project and the poultry support program. Dr. Mike Amofa Dankwah, a philanthropist and CEO of Madenan Company Ltd, contributed to a revolving fund managed by Nsutaman Rural Bank to provide seed capital for the graduates. He encouraged the participants to become change agents in their communities, highlighting the program's effectiveness in reducing post-harvest losses and driving inclusive economic growth. Participants shared their experiences, commending the training for its practical insights. Mr. Richard Osei Mireku, a participant, noted significant achievements in livestock health management, while Madam Susanna Pokua and Madam Patience Noi reported success in food processing and carrot business, respectively. Each participant, including a hearing-impaired individual, received a certificate of participation.