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Osei Kofi Fosu, a Twenty-Six Year old final year BSc Agribusiness student at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, emerged as the winner of the AMG Fertilizers Input Dealer business deal pitch at the just ended 7th Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD), organized by Agrihouse Foundation.
Fourteen (14) final year agribusiness students who participated in the 6-day bootcamp competed for the Ultimate Prize Pitch. The input dealer business deal pitch prize was designed as part of final day activities, to allow the aspiring agripreneurs demonstrate how they were each going to develop, grow and sustain an agribusiness input dealer shop.
After a tightly contested session, the judges adjudged Kofi Osei Fosu, the overall winner of the Prize Pitch, declaring the ideas and initiatives he plans to put in place to grow and sustain his agribusiness, as most practical and smart.
In partnership with Agrihouse Foundation, the Agricultural Manufacturing Group(AMG )Fertilizers , will set-up a state-of-the-art input dealer business, for kofi in his community of residence.
Students from Damango Agricultural College also emerged victorious in the Beginner Group Presentation, securing a cash prize of 2,500 cedis. The University of Development Studies claimed the second position with a cash prize of 1,500 cedis, while Ohawu Agricultural College secured third place with 1,000 cedis, all sponsored by Agrihouse Foundation to serve as seed capital for their agribusiness projects.
While extending congratulations to all the participants, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa reiterated the organizations commitment to support and fuel the vision of young Ghanaians who aspire to building careers in the agricultural sector.
She also stated that, the bootcamp, has grown to become a leading interventional initiative, enabling Agri-youths, beginner Agribusinesses and start-ups, to develop their business ideas, into bankable and profitable Agribusiness.
“By this, we are contributing to empowering the next generation of Agriprinuers, whiles contributing to the Government’s agenda of establishing Input Dealer businesses across the country, for convenience and accessibility of Farmers,” she added.
She said, in the past six (6) years, the annual Bootcamp has supported about 6000 beneficiaries to develop their ideas into businesses, supported Agribusiness companies, to recruit smart and fresh graduates and contributed a drive and mindset development of young people, while exposing them to career paths and opportunities within the Agribusiness value chain.
She noted that, the partnership with the Agricultural Manufacturing group (AMG), to set-up an Input Dealer Business in any region, for the ultimate winner of the Challenge is a huge milestone and a significant boost in building strategic career path young agribusiness professionals, straight after school.
This milestone, she added will also contribute strongly to the Government’s efforts over the years, in making quality input and resources more accessible, by ensuring that, there is an Input Dealer establishment in every districts.
She praised all participants and the winners, and encouraged them to focus on pursuing their dreams with the support they have been given. While extending gratitude to ADB, Jobberman ,Agricultural Manufacturing Group, WEID Ventures, Kofi Vinyo, Kofi Ansah (Ahodwo Farms), Lexvee Agro-processing, and some of Agrihouse Foundation’s women in agribusiness beneficiaries, including Mama Abigial Ghama, Janet Adade, Queen Gafaratu Enterprise, Ayden Ventures, Nanvee Natural Foods, Vinolia Wealth Foods, ZLB Enterprise, and Bebefu Ventures for investing in the aspirations of the young agripreneurs, she said, Agrihouse Foundation is also committed to empowering more young people to realize their agri-futures, through the AG-STUD Bootcamp.
For his part, Kofi Osei Fosu, expressed his gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation and the agricultural manufacturing group (AMG) for the honor.
According to him the bootcamp has been nothing short of transformative for him, as a final year BSc Agribusiness student, winning the AMG fertilizer input dealer business deal pitch price has reinforced his belief in the potential of agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.
‘’Throughout the bootcamp, I was inspired by the innovative ideas and dedication of my fellow participants. The experience of pitching my agribusiness project to the esteemed panel of judges was both challenging and rewarding. Their recognition of my vision and plans for sustainable growth has fuelled my determination to bring my ideas to fruition.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation for organizing this platform and providing young agripreneurs like myself with the opportunity to showcase our talents. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders is truly commendable.
Moving forward, I am excited to leverage the support and resources provided by Agrihouse Foundation and AMG Fertilizers to turn my vision into reality. I believe that with determination, hard work, and the right support system, I can make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector and contribute to the overall development of my community and country.
This year, the 6-day bootcamp welcomed about 300 students from Agric Colleges, farm institutes and universities, across the country. Throughout the 6-days, the beneficiaries were engaged with practical learnings in diverse fields, led by mentors, trainers and coaches, drawn from different industries. They participated in a number of intensive pitching and presentation sessions, field trips, drills and other mind-engaging activities.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Patron,Hon.Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings , Dr Solomon Ansah ,Director Of Directorate Of Crop Service At The Ministry Of Food And Agriculture ,Hon.Fiifi Kwettey ,Former Minister Of Food And Agriculture ,President of US Ghana Chamber Of Commerce ,Mrs Florence Torson -Har , Mr James Boateng ,2018 National Best Farmer ,who served as keynote Speaker. Other dignitaries were, the 2024 National Best Farmer, Madam Charity Akotia , The Managing Director Of Kovi Organic Foods Kofi Vinyo Among Others
The participating Agricultural Students and Beginner Agribusinesses include students from, Adidome Agric College, Asuansi Farm Institute, Damango Agric College, Ejura Agricultural College, Kwadaso Agric College, Wenchi Agricultural college, Ohawu Agric College, and Fair River Agric Institute, Veterinary College, and Animal Health Production.
Others include Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Methodist University, University of Development Studies, All Nations University, Ghana Christian University College, University of Energy & Natural Resources, Central University, University of Agricultural and Environmental Studies and catholic university.
