Africa Food Systems Forum: John Dumelo urges Ghanaian youth to embrace agriculture

Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has urged more young people to venture into agriculture and food sector business, describing the sector as an area with significant opportunities for employment and wealth creation.

He says Ghana’s farming population was ageing, with many young people still reluctant to take up farming despite the growing opportunities in production and value addition.

“If you look at Ghana, the farming age is in the 50s. The young ones are shying away. But the narrative is changing. More youth are getting into farming and value addition,” he said.

Mr Dumelo made the call when he engaged Ghanaian agribusiness entrepreneurs and other Ghanaian officials participating in the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Rwanda.

He said young people do not necessarily have to become farmers to benefit from the food systems sector, as there are opportunities across the food value chain.

“Not everyone can be a farmer, but everyone can be an agripreneur,” he said.

The deputy minister acknowledged concerns among young people over access to land and finance but advised them to start small and gain practical experience as they grow their businesses.

“Learning on the job is always very good,” he said, urging young entrepreneurs to keep proper records of their businesses to make it easier for potential investors and other stakeholders to support them.

**Reactions from the youth
**AFSF is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons that will move African food systems forward.

The 20th edition of the Forum from September 1–4, 2026, at the Kigali Convention Centre, is being held under the theme “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.” Organisers say more than 5,000 stakeholders from over 50 countries are expected to participate.

The meeting between the Ghanaian youth delegation and the Deputy Minister provided an opportunity for young agribusiness leaders to share their challenges and concerns about the agricultural sector.

Sadat Abdul Wahab, founder of Seedvance, a company that connects smallholder farmers to markets, called for measures to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce.

He said rising production costs were putting pressure on farmers, while intermediaries often made significant profits from agricultural products.

“I think when it comes to marketing in the agricultural realm, farmers are not receiving fair prices. I mentioned to the minister that year in, year out, production costs continue to increase. The middle guys are making all the money without dirtying their hands,” Mr Wahab observed.

“As the government has done for the cocoa sector, they could regulate the price. Policies can ensure the intermediaries buy the produce from farmers at a fixed price,” he added.

Adom Yaa Afrakoma Amponsem of the World Food Forum Ghana chapter said she believed the engagement had given young people renewed confidence about their prospects in agriculture.

“I believe there is hope for the youth. The minister highlighted that the Feed Ghana Program has some opportunities for the youth. And he also assured that his doors are open,” she said.

**Government priorities
**Mr Dumelo told the meeting the Ministry of Food and Agriculture was focused on making an impact in areas including poultry production, value addition and reducing the cost of food.

He said the ministry’s broader objective was to improve food availability and affordability.

“As a ministry, we want to leave a mark in the poultry industry, value addition, and reducing the cost of food. We want to leave a mark on these in the next four years,” he said.