The MTN Ghana Foundation has committed GHS1.2 million to a transformative agricultural initiative aimed at empowering 160 smallholder women farmers and 140 unemployed youth with modern farming skills to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods.
The initiative forms part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain,” reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and sustainable economic development through agriculture.
As part of the programme, a model farm will be established at Pantang Hospital in the La Nkwantanang Municipality. The facility is expected to serve as a practical training and demonstration hub, where an initial cohort of 60 women farmers will receive hands-on training in advanced agricultural techniques to improve yield, efficiency, and sustainability.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the La Nkwantanang Municipal Agriculture Department and Defarmercist, who are providing technical expertise in agronomic practices and capacity building to ensure effective delivery and long-term impact.
The initiative 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 national development.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Pantang, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, underscored the importance of the model farm project as a key component of MTN’s commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusivity within the agricultural sector.
She noted that the initiative fulfils MTN’s pledge to establish a hands-on training platform in modern agricultural practices for women farmers in La Nkwantanang, adding that participants are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired to their communities to expand the reach and impact of the programme.
“This initiative goes beyond farming. It is about equipping women with the skills and confidence to improve their livelihoods, while also creating opportunities for young people to actively participate in the agricultural value chain. At MTN, we remain committed to supporting sustainable development through innovative and impactful interventions,” she stated.
She further disclosed that the first cohort of 30 unemployed youth is currently undergoing training at the Vegetable Hub of Excellence at the University of Ghana, Legon Farms, where they are being equipped with practical skills in modern vegetable production and agribusiness.
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 constitute over half of the workforce and are central to ensuring food security in Ghana.
She urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity and demonstrate commitment to the programme to ensure its sustainability and long-term success.
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 efforts include the introduction of innovative and technology-driven agricultural practices aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing productivity, 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, contributing to the modernization of the agricultural sector.
Since its establishment in November 2007, the MTN Ghana Foundation has spearheaded numerous interventions across the country in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment, delivering over 178 major projects nationwide. The latest initiative reinforces its commitment to improving lives and supporting sustainable development through agriculture.
For further information, the public may contact the MTN Ghana media office via mtnghana.mediaoffice@mtn.com or visit the Foundation’s official website.
