In line with its mission of providing resources to empower young people become sustainable farmers and value chain actors in Ghana and beyond, OCP Africa has made a pledge of 10, 000 ghc to agric science students of O’Reilly Senior High School, expected to help them scale-up their crop production initiatives on campus.
The organization has made a similar pledge of 5, 000 ghc, to agricultural science students of Accra Academy Senior High School, also intended to help them students advance their agric-focused projects.
The Country Director of OCP Africa Mr. Samuel Oduro-Asare made the pledge at the recent ended 5th Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD-AFRICA), organized by Agrihouse Foundation, in Accra.
Annually, the Bootcamp brings together agric-students and beginner agribusiness startups, to help them build on their capacity, while exposing them to the dynamics of the food and agricultural market, through education, competence-based sessions and leadership programs, which are essential to the success and growth of agriculture.
Addressing the agric-students and beginner agribusinesses at the closing event of the 5-day bootcamp, Mr. Samuel Oduro-Asare, charged the over seventy (70) beneficiaries to always keep a positive spirit and mindset, even as they managed their limited resources to grow and sustain their agric startups.
He said being consistent would help them stay relevant in whatever areas they found themselves within the agricultural value chain. “We at OCP Africa are always ready to support AG-STUD and we are still committed to supporting you more this year,” Mr. Oduro assured the participants.
He added, “As you leave this bootcamp, immediately hit the ground running with their agribusiness ideas when you get back to your campuses. “You are not going back the same as you came. As you go back to school, you should be different from your colleagues. You should standout out, because you are going back as potential agripreneurs.”
In the past five years, OCP Africa has been sponsors of the annual AG-STUD-Bootcamp, providing financial and technical support that have helped to empower, equip, scale-up and build the capacity of over 1,200 participants. Annual Campers have been beneficiaries of free bags of fertilizers, mentorship, agronomic services, and soil testing services.
For her part, the Member of Parliament for the Korle-Klottey Constituency, and Patron of the AG-STUD Bootcamp, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, urged the agric-students and beginner agribusinesses to continue courageously on their chosen path and be assured of consistent and sustainable support from all stakeholders.
“I cannot imagine why anyone will possibly think of demeaning agric as a subject. Everyone needs food and agric is the basis of that. It is the science behind the production of any kind of food. Anyone who does not understand the value of agric to human existence, does not understand why we are here. So be assured, you are in the right path,” she said.
To buttress her point, the Member of Parliament donated three new laptops to the Bootcamp, which she hoped would help the participants execute their tasks and assignments during the period. She encouraged the agri-students to work together, and have the confidence they are making a difference as young agripreneurs. “I am encouraged by the fact that we have two secondary schools here. Do not let anyone discourage you. Bear in mind, you have heavyweights in this room and some who are not here but have been with you throughout the sessions, who understand your value and are willing to invest in you. Every time you feel like you are struggling, just look around, reach out, you are not alone. We are here for you,” she encouraged.
For his part, the CEO of MyBarnes Limited, Mr. Kenneth Barnes, underscored the need for perseverance and courage in the face of challenges and discouragements.
He said, “You will face challenges in this sector, but the burning desire will help you overcome them. At MyBarnes we have had our share of difficulties, but we continue to build on our interest and speed. I will encourage you to do the same; if you have passion, faith and a burning desire to achieve, you will overcome the challenges.”
In a short address read on his behalf the Managing Director of Agricultural Development Bank, Dr. John Kofi Mensah described investing in agriculture as a game-changer, and therefore commended the agric-students for choosing to build a life and make a live as agric value chain actors.
He added, “ADB is proud to be associated with the Agrihouse brand, and we are committed to deepen our involvement in your programs in future. ADB and Agrihouse share a common noble vision, which is to promote and take agribusiness to the next level. Our continuous support for agrihouse activities is borne out of the fact that Agrihouse serves as a complement to the role ADB is playing in the agric space. With this great partnership and collaboration, underpinned by unity of purpose, ADB and Agrihouse will push the agribusiness agenda to assume its rightful place in the national discourse”
The Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa Sarpong, brought the 5-day Bootcamp to a close by expressing gratitude to all sponsors and collaborating institutions of this year’s event. Sponsors including, Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), OCP, Broadspectrum, Nanam Ventures, Bdiet, Kofi Venyo and Demeter. Collaborating Institutions are the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association (NFFAWAG); and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
She also expressed gratitude to all resources persons who served the vision of the Bootcamp in the capacities of mentors, trainers, coaches and speakers. She also used the opportunity to encourage the students to remain focused and determined as they worked towards building sustainable careers within the agric value chain. She urged them to make the most of the practical lessons they have received, as well as the inceptives and support packages the bootcamp has afforded them.
