UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By: Prosper Adankai
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bolgatanga, Mr. Roland Ayoo Atanga, has urged the youth in the municipality to take full advantage of government agricultural policies as a means of addressing the growing challenge of youth unemployment.
According to Mr. Ayoo Atanga, agriculture remains one of the most viable sectors capable of absorbing large numbers of unemployed young people, particularly in the Upper East Region where arable land and farming experience already exist. He noted that with the right support, agriculture can be transformed into a profitable and sustainable source of livelihood for the youth.
Speaking on the URA Sunrise programme on GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga, the MCE encouraged young people to move beyond subsistence farming and adopt agriculture as a business. He explained that government policies and flagship programmes have been designed to provide financial, technical, and logistical support to farmers, especially the youth.
Mr. Ayoo Atanga specifically urged farmers and young people interested in agriculture to form cooperative groups to enable them to benefit fully from government interventions. According to him, cooperative groupings make it easier to access funding, farm inputs, training, and extension services under government-supported programmes.
He highlighted the government flagship agricultural policy dubbed “Akoko Nkitinkiti”, which is aimed at promoting agricultural production, value addition, and job creation. The policy, he said, offers opportunities for young farmers to access resources that can help expand their operations and improve productivity.
The MCE explained that through cooperative structures, farmers can also strengthen their bargaining power, share knowledge, and reduce production costs. He stressed that unity among farmers is key to maximising the benefits of government support and ensuring long-term success in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Ayoo Atanga further appealed to traditional authorities, community leaders, and agricultural extension officers to support youth-led agricultural initiatives by providing guidance and mentorship. He assured the youth that the Municipal Assembly is committed to working with relevant government agencies to ensure that eligible groups benefit from available agricultural programmes.
He expressed optimism that if more young people take advantage of policies such as Akoko Nkitinkiti, the municipality would witness a reduction in unemployment, improved food security, and increased economic activity.
Mr. Ayoo Atanga concluded by encouraging the youth to view agriculture not as a last resort, but as a viable pathway to self-reliance, wealth creation, and sustainable development in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
