The National Service Authority (NSA) has revealed plans to provide targeted support for graduates who opt to engage in agricultural activities during their national service tenure.
According to the Authority, the initiative is aimed at promoting youth participation in agribusiness, boosting food production, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for young graduates.
Speaking to Tutuwaa Danso on Starr Today, Director-General of the Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, noted that personnel who choose to pursue farming will be supported with all the necessary resources. She stressed that the Authority will also provide hand-holding support for those who intend to venture into agricultural entrepreneurship after completing their service tenure.
“National Service is venturing into and undertaking a number of major projects. In line with the Feed Ghana Agenda, the government is supporting our efforts. We currently operate farms in 12 regions across the length and breadth of the country.
“We are ready to support graduates who agree to work on our farms or venture into agriculture under the National Service Authority. In addition to the GH¢715 allowance, we will provide extra support, including fuel assistance, to facilitate their work. Beyond that, all personnel posted to our farming project sites are fed once daily and provided with accommodation.” She added.
“After completion of service, beneficiaries will also receive seed funding to enable them to start their own agricultural ventures. Unfortunately, many personnel who are posted to farm sites reject the postings, which is quite regrettable.
“Ghana spends over two billion dollars annually on food imports—foods that we could otherwise grow locally. This is the gap we are determined to close. I therefore appeal to all graduates with the capacity and interest in agriculture to take advantage of National Service as a launchpad into agripreneurship. We will provide the necessary support to enable them venture into smart agriculture.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
