Kumasi: Professor Emmanuel Appiah-Kubi, Dean of the Faculty of Technical Education at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), has called on young individuals to engage in continuous learning, innovation, and problem-solving to secure their future. Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor at the graduation ceremony for the ACTIVATE Agritech Short Courses, he emphasized the significant role of agriculture in the economy and the challenges it faces, such as value addition, technology adoption, and youth participation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Appiah-Kubi, who also serves as the Coordinator of the ACTIVATE Project, highlighted the program's introduction to provide young people with essential skills tailored to meet the demands of Ghana's agricultural and digital sectors. He stressed that the training aimed to equip learners with practical skills and confidence necessary for developing innovative solutions and creating jobs within the Agritech ecosystem.
The ACTIVATE training covered four key areas: Agribusiness and Value Addition, Post-Harvest Management, Food Processing, Digital Marketing, and Software Development. Prof. Appiah-Kubi noted that the courses integrated technical training with entrepreneurship, innovation, and practical exposure to prepare participants for employment and self-employment opportunities. He reaffirmed USTED's dedication to the ACTIVATE Project's goals and its collaboration with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), expressing optimism for future program iterations.
Dr. Lydia Takyi, Head of the Centre for Business Incubation and Innovation and Course Coordinator of the ACTIVATE Agritech Project, reported that the first cohort attracted over 1,700 applications nationwide. Following a rigorous selection process, 430 learners were admitted, and 400 completed the intensive training. She highlighted that 370 learners graduated, meeting all academic and practical program requirements. The program's impact was evident, with nearly 85% of participants transitioning into salaried or self-employment roles through mentorship, training, and internship placements.
Looking forward, Dr. Takyi announced plans to expand the program's reach, aiming for at least 90% female participation in the next cohort, and implementing measures to increase the involvement of marginalized groups, including Persons with Disability and displaced persons. She reiterated USTED's commitment to the ACTIVATE Project's objectives and transforming Ghana's agricultural sector through inclusive, market-driven skills training.
Graduates expressed gratitude for the opportunity, sharing how the training had transformed their lives. One participant who specialized in food processing gained skills in seasoning production and value-added food activities, inspiring entrepreneurial endeavors in her community. Graduates received Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and startup packages, including Crocs, aprons, a hand mix machine, and 5kg of flour.
The ACTIVATE Agritech Project, supported by WUSC Ghana, the Mastercard Foundation, and other stakeholders, aims to equip young people with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance employment opportunities in Ghana's agricultural and digital sectors.