UN in Ghana and KOICA launch project to empower 15500 Ghanaian youth

It will provide young Ghanaians with essential digital skills and tools including mobile technologies, precision farming systems, and digital platforms, to help promote the adoption of smart agricultural practices, and encourage healthy lifestyles. 

The aim of the $9.3 million "Youth Economic Empowerment through Digitalization for Resilience in Food and Nutrition Security and Improved Livelihoods" project is to contribute to food and nutrition security while minimizing the environmental impact of climate change and ultimately enhancing livelihoods. The project will be implemented in 56 districts in six regions of Ghana.

According to the WFP Representative and Country Director in Ghana, Ms. Aurore Rusiga "this project comes at a critical time when digitalization is no longer a luxury but a necessity." She said "Investing in the youth is investing in the future” adding that it is important to factor the needs of Ghana's young population in digital skills and opportunities in the agriculture sector as technology continues to shape global economies.

The South Korean Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Park Kyongsig, assured of the Government of Korea support to Ghana's youth in promoting sustainable development and food self-sufficiency.

The UN Resident Coordinator (a.i) and Head of UNESCO, Mr. Edmond Moukala touched on the interconnectedness of food security to development and as an accelerator to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  He said "Food security and improved nutrition are intrinsically linked to achieving other SDG goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)."

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Food and Agriculture, the acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Paul Siameh, urged Ghanaian youth to take full advantage of the skills, training, technology, and entrepreneurial opportunities offered by the project. 

The project aligns with Ghana's National Development Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDF), and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.