Speaking at Aglow Processing Factory in Potsin during the commemoration of International Women’s Day, Mrs Asante-Dartey emphasized the need for government, civil society organizations, and development partners to invest in women’s empowerment in agribusiness.
“It is not enough to just say women are important or to ensure they are represented. We need to provide tangible support and budgetary allocations to address challenges such as access to land, affordable financing, and training,” she stated.
The event, which honoured young women and persons with disabilities enrolled in the HAPPY Programme, highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities for youth, particularly women, in agribusiness.
Mrs Asante-Dartey stressed that many women lacked the financial resources to compete on equal footing with men in the sector.
She called for specialized funding mechanisms with affordable rates and flexible terms to facilitate women’s participation.
She further highlighted the Mastercard Foundation’s goal of creating 326,000 employment opportunities for young people within four years, with 70% being women.
“One year into the programme, we have already provided jobs for over 138,000 young people, including 77,000 women. Some of these young women, who had no prior knowledge of agriculture, are now managing rice farms of up to seven acres, making over GHC 30,000 in profit per cycle,” she revealed.
The HAPPY Programme is active across 200 communities, 50 districts, and 13 regions, focusing on four key value chains; rice, poultry, soya, and tomatoes.
Mrs Asante-Dartey noted that the HAPPY Programme was playing a key role in revamping broiler production in Ghana.
She explained that Ghana’s poultry sector had traditionally focused on layers, but the programme aimed to boost local broiler production to reduce imports and create job opportunities.
Additionally, she highlighted the role of information technology in enhancing agricultural productivity and urged young women aged 15 to 35 to join the programme.
“We provide training, startup support—including fertilizers, feed, vaccines, and day-old chicks—and market access. Even those without resources can participate, as we help secure land and guarantee payments,” she assured.
Mrs. Asante-Dartey reiterated that empowering young women in agribusiness required action, not just words.
“Government and private sector stakeholders must invest in women if we truly want to see change. This is the time for concrete action.”
Agri Impact Board Member Maamie Nyamekye Hutchful Nortey, who was a guest speaker at the event, commended the inclusion of persons with disabilities in agribusiness.
She revealed that at Aglow Farms, individuals with hearing impairments were trained to operate machinery within six to eight weeks, compared to the usual six-month training period.
She urged companies to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities, describing them as focused, innovative, and essential to business growth.
“If we want to see innovation and business success, we must tap into the talents of young people, especially those with disabilities. Their unique perspectives and determination can drive change,” she stated.
The HAPPY Programme continues to provide holistic support to young women and persons with disabilities, ensuring they have the skills, resources, and market access needed to thrive in Ghana’s agribusiness sector.
The HAPPY Programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, equips young people, especially women, with skills and resources to succeed in agribusiness. It operates in over 200 communities across Ghana, supporting value chains in rice, poultry, soya, and tomatoes.
GNA
