The MTN Ghana Foundation has committed GHS1.2 million to support smallholder women farmers and unemployed youth through a modern farming initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and skills development.
As part of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, on the theme “Give to Gain,” the foundation pledged to establish a model farm at the Pantang Hospital in the La Nkwantanang Municipality. “The project is designed to equip an initial group of 60 smallholder women farmers with advanced agricultural techniques to improve both yield and efficiency”, the foundation explained in a statement issued and signed by Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Ghana.
A copy of the statement made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani explained that the model farm initiative was being implemented in collaboration with the La Nkwantanang Municipal Agriculture Department and Defarmercist.
Together, these partners provide specialized expertise in agronomic support and capacity building to empower women farmers across the municipality.
It said the initiative also formed part of the foundation’s broader efforts to celebrate and support women in agriculture, recognizing their critical contributions to the sector.
The statement quoted Madam Wiafe emphasizing that the model farm was a key component of MTN’s commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusivity in agriculture when she spoke at the launch of the initiative.
“The project fulfils MTN’s promise to establish a hands-on training platform in modern agricultural practices for women farmers in La Nkwantanang”, she stated.
She said that the participants were expected to transfer the knowledge gained within their communities, with plans to replicate the model across Ghana and expand access to innovative farming methods.
“The first cohort of 30 unemployed youth is undergoing training at the Vegetable Hub of Excellence at the University of Ghana, Legon Farms,” Mad Wiafe added.
Mrs Lydia Aku Fiatuho, the Head of the Agriculture Department at the La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly, commended MTN for supporting the initiative.
She highlighted the vital role women play in agricultural production, noting that they constitute over half of the workforce and were often recognized for their contributions during Farmers’ Day celebrations.
Mrs Fiatuho encouraged beneficiaries to take ownership of the project and work diligently to ensure its long-term success.
In line with MTN’s strategic vision to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress, the foundation is piloting smart farming initiatives with plans for nationwide replication.
Additionally, it has established a Vegetable Hub of Excellence at the University of Ghana in partnership with the University of Ghana School of Agriculture and Defarmercist as part of its efforts to drive the modernization of the agricultural sector.
Source: GNA
