The MTN Ghana Foundation has committed GHS1.2 million to support 160 smallholder women farmers and 140 unemployed youth through a comprehensive modern agriculture initiative aimed at enhancing productivity, building skills, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The initiative forms part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain,” reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusive participation in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
As part of the intervention, the Foundation will establish a model farm at Pantang Hospital in the La Nkwantanang Municipality. The facility will serve as a hands-on training and demonstration centre where an initial cohort of 60 smallholder women farmers will be equipped with advanced agricultural techniques to improve yield, efficiency, and sustainability.
The model farm initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the La Nkwantanang Municipal Agriculture Department and Defarmercist, partners providing specialized agronomic support, training, and capacity-building services to ensure the success and long-term impact of the programme.
The project also aligns with the Foundation’s broader objective of recognising and supporting the critical role women play in agriculture, where they constitute a significant portion of the workforce and contribute immensely to food production and economic development.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Pantang, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, emphasized that the initiative reflects MTN’s strategic commitment to empowering communities through sustainable and innovative solutions.
She noted that the model farm represents a practical platform for delivering modern agricultural training, adding that beneficiaries will be equipped not only with technical farming skills but also with knowledge in efficient resource management and improved production methods.
“This initiative is designed to empower women economically and provide opportunities for young people to build meaningful careers in agriculture. At MTN, we are committed to supporting sustainable development by investing in innovative solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities,” she stated.
She further explained that the programme fulfils MTN’s promise to establish a hands-on agricultural training platform for women farmers in La Nkwantanang, adding that beneficiaries are expected to transfer the knowledge gained to their peers, thereby expanding the impact across their communities and beyond.
“The first cohort of 30 unemployed youth is currently undergoing training at the Vegetable Hub of Excellence at the University of Ghana, Legon Farms,” she added, noting that the training focuses on modern vegetable production and practical agribusiness skills.
Lydia Aku Fiatuho, Head of the Agriculture Department at the La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly, commended the Foundation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. She highlighted the vital role women play in agricultural production, noting that they account for more than half of the workforce and are central to ensuring food security in Ghana.
She urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity and remain committed to applying the knowledge gained to improve their productivity and livelihoods, stressing that the sustainability of the project depends on their dedication.
In line with MTN’s strategic vision to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress, the Foundation is also piloting smart farming initiatives with plans for nationwide replication. These include the integration of innovative and technology-driven farming practices aimed at improving efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Additionally, the Foundation has established a Vegetable Hub of Excellence at the University of Ghana in partnership with the University of Ghana School of Agriculture and Defarmercist. The hub serves as a centre for research, innovation, and practical training in modern agriculture, contributing to the transformation of the sector.
Since its establishment in November 2007, the MTN Ghana Foundation has been at the forefront of implementing MTN’s corporate social investments in Ghana, focusing on health, education, and economic empowerment. To date, the Foundation has undertaken over 178 major projects across the country, demonstrating its commitment to improving lives and supporting sustainable national development.
For more information, the public may contact the MTN Ghana media office via mtnghana.mediaoffice@mtn.com or visit the Foundation’s official website.
