160 Smallholder Women Farmers, 140 Unemployed Youth To Benefit From MTN Ghana Foundation’s GHs1.2m Modern Farming Initiative

 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 under the theme “Give to Gain,” the Foundation pledged to establish a model farm at 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 model farm initiative is 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.

The initiative also forms part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to celebrate and support women in agriculture, recognizing their critical contributions to the sector.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at Pantang, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, emphasized that the model farm is a key component of MTN’s commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusivity in agriculture. She noted that the project fulfils MTN’s promise to establish a hands-on training platform in modern agricultural practices for women farmers in La Nkwantanang. Participants are 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,” she added.

Lydia Aku Fiatuho, 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 are often recognized for their contributions during Farmers’ Day celebrations. She 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.