Charterhouse Unveils Youth Agri-Skills Initiative, Announces National Food Awards for 2026
By Esther Korantemaa Offei
Charterhouse Ghana has launched a new initiative aimed at equipping young people with agricultural skills as part of efforts to tackle rising youth unemployment. The announcement was made during the maiden edition of the Gastro Festival 2025, held at The Palms Convention Centre, where local cuisine, farmers, and agribusiness experts took centre stage.
The festival showcased Ghana’s diverse food culture while highlighting the importance of agriculture in national development. Lead PR for Charterhouse, Robert Klarh, said the event was designed to inspire young Ghanaians to pursue opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
“This is more than a food festival. It is a platform for education and empowerment, created to encourage the youth to embrace agriculture as a sustainable and fulfilling career path,” he said.
In a major announcement, CEO of Charterhouse, Theresa Oparebea Ayoade, revealed that next year’s Gastro Festival will introduce the first-ever National Food Awards, set to climax the 2026 edition. She said the awards would honour excellence “from farm to consumption” and celebrate individuals transforming Ghana’s food ecosystem.
“We are planting a new seed, an idea that celebrates the richness of our culture and the brilliance of our innovators. The National Food Awards will be an annual night of food glory, bringing together farmers, creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the entire food value chain,” Ayoade stated.
Award categories will include Food Content Creator of the Year, Young Agrifood Entrepreneur of the Year, Women in Agrifood Leadership, Ingredients Revival Award, and Regional Food Ambassador, among others. Prestigious titles such as the Gastro Flame of Innovation, Table of Nations Grand Honor, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Gastro Festival Person of the Year will also be presented.
Ayoade added, “Each winner will stand as a symbol of the food renaissance we are building together.”
