The Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited has roll out an initiative dubbed "Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth"-(HAPPY) to be implemented by eight implementing partners including the National Service Authority, Ghana CARES, Catholic Relief Services, Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The HAPPY programme which began in 2023 and expected to end in 2027 aims to create dignified job opportunities for 326,000 youth aged 15-35, with 70 of whom are women and persons with disabilities in the agricultural sector targeting poultry, soybeans, tomato and rice value chain.
It is expected to increase food production by 190,000 tonnes, generate annual revenue of over 200 million dollars as well as to reduce import of these strategic foods by 10 per cent.
Delivering the key note address at the event at Sunyani in the Bono Region yesterday to assess the progress of implementation over a year now, Mr Gottfried Odamtten Sowah, a representative of the Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, noted that the event offered the implementing partners the opportunity to celebrate what they had achieved together, reflect on their journey so far and experiences.