MTN GH Invests Over GH¢1.2M to Train Women Farmers in Modern Agriculture
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
MTN Ghana has invested over GH¢1.2 million to establish a model farm aimed at training women farmers in modern agricultural techniques to improve productivity and strengthen economic empowerment.
The initiative, located at the premises of Pantang Hospital within the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal District, is being implemented in partnership with the district assembly, Pantang Hospital and women smallholder farmers in the community.
The project seeks to equip female farmers with practical skills in modern farming methods while integrating technology into agriculture.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, said the initiative forms part of the company’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening livelihoods.
She explained that the project also coincides with activities marking International Women’s Day, which celebrates the contributions of women to society.
According to her, the initiative began in 2022 when MTN organised learning visits for some women farmers to observe modern agricultural practices in communities including Akuse and Santeo, as well as farms around Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School.
She said during those visits the company assured the farmers that it would return to establish a model farm where they could receive hands-on training.
Ms. Wiafe indicated that 60 women farmers will initially benefit from the training programme and are expected to share the knowledge they acquire with other farmers in their communities.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the focus areas of the MTN Foundation, which include health, education and economic empowerment.
Ms. Wiafe expressed optimism that the project would serve as a model that could eventually be replicated in other parts of the country to enable more farmers benefit from modern agricultural practices.
West Africa Regional Director of Holland GreenTech, Celestina Danso Arhin, also highlighted the need for safer and more sustainable farming practices.
Speaking to The New Finder on the sidelines of the event, she raised concerns about the high use of pesticides among many farmers, warning that the practice poses risks to public health and the environment.
According to her, many farmers resort to excessive pesticide application as a quick solution to pest and disease challenges on their farms.
However, she cautioned that the practice could contaminate water sources and pose serious health risks to communities.
Ms. Danso Arhin noted that the model farm project would promote modern farming practices, including proper crop protection methods and water quality testing.
She explained that testing water used for irrigation would help determine whether it contains harmful elements that could affect crop quality and ultimately human health.
Ms. Danso Arhin added that with more people becoming health conscious and increasing their consumption of vegetables, it is important to ensure that farm produce is grown under safe and controlled conditions.
MTN Ghana has over the years implemented a number of initiatives aimed at promoting economic empowerment, particularly for women and young people. Through the MTN Foundation, the company supports programmes that provide skills training, entrepreneurship development and digital inclusion opportunities to help individuals improve their livelihoods.
The foundation’s economic empowerment interventions focus on equipping beneficiaries with practical skills and access to technology to enable them participate meaningfully in the economy. Some of these initiatives include support for small businesses, vocational training programmes and digital literacy projects in communities across Ghana.
