President of Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davies Narh Korboe

The President of the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Davies Narh Korboe, has announced that this year’s Horticulture Expo will serve as a platform to train and engage the youth in agricultural export, in alignment with the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

Speaking on the Agriculture segment of the Ghana Yensom morning show on Accra 100.5 FM with Afia Brempomaa Hinneh on Monday, May 19, 2025, Korboe emphasized that the initiative aims to reshape perceptions of farming and make agriculture more appealing to young people.

According to him, one of the major challenges facing the agricultural sector is the negative narrative that portrays farming as laborious and outdated—a perception that has discouraged youth participation and left the sector largely dominated by individuals aged 60 and above.

He noted that a lack of funding, limited mechanization, and the absence of modern farming techniques have further contributed to youth disinterest.

“But agriculture today is more than just planting and harvesting,” he stressed. “It is a full value chain—from certification and logistics to marketing and production.”

Korboe highlighted the economic potential of agriculture, noting that the sector, if properly invested in, could help Ghana eliminate its $2 billion annual food import bill.

He believes that the government’s Feed Ghana policy, when supported by modern, mechanized farming practices, can drive food security and create sustainable jobs for the country’s large unemployed youth population.

“Mechanized farming isn’t only about irrigation—it encompasses every aspect of the agricultural value chain,” he said.

The upcoming Horticulture Expo, scheduled for June 11 to 13, 2025, will focus on equipping young Ghanaians with practical knowledge, business connections, and market exposure.

Korboe said the event will leverage research and innovation to groom a new generation of agro-exporters while offering valuable networking opportunities for youth interested in agriculture.

He called on stakeholders to support the event, which he believes will play a vital role in transforming Ghana’s agriculture sector and aligning it with the country’s broader economic goals.