The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has called for greater unity and collaboration in addressing youth unemployment as he officially launched the Nkabom Collaborative, an initiative spearheaded by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), at the Accra International Conference Centre.
He described the launch as “an activation of a dream for a more prosperous, self-reliant, youth-led Ghana,” stressing that the programme embodies the spirit of unity that the name Nkabom represents.
Dr. Pelpuo said the programme’s emphasis on experiential learning, inclusive research and entrepreneurship will demystify the agricultural value chain from production and processing to marketing and distribution
“It will prove that agriculture offers vast opportunities for Ghana’s next generation of entrepreneurs” he said.
The Minister connected the initiative to the government’s flagship policies, which includes the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda and the Feed Ghana Programme, which aims to modernize farming, ensure food security, reduce inflation, and expand exports.
He expressed optimism that the Nkabom Collaborative would train a new wave of agri-entrepreneurs who will be at the forefront of these transformations.
Dr. Pelpuo noted the youth-led entrepreneurship push of the program as “particularly exciting,” pointing out that it represents a change from producing job seekers to producing job creators
“We are fostering a generation that is confident in its ability to innovate and build, the essence of true empowerment,” he stated.
He urged all stakeholders to ensure the collaborative becomes a sustained and evolving platform rather than a one-off project.
“This is about building a better Ghana for all,” “The Nkabom Collaborative is a powerful symbol of what is possible when we come together. Progress is not a partisan issue; it is a collective responsibility.”he said
He called on industry, partners, and citizens to rally behind the initiative with mentorship, investment, and support, saying: “Let us ensure that the seeds of knowledge, skill and opportunity planted today will blossom into a harvest of prosperity for generations to come.” he added.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
