Young people central to transforming Ghana’s food and nutrition challenges – UG Professor
Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the University of Ghana School of Public Health, Prof. Richmond Nii Okai Aryeetey, has stressed that young people are central to solving Ghana’s food and nutrition challenges.
Speaking to the media on Thursday at the University of Ghana Nkabom Collaborative engagement, stated Prof. Aryeetey noted that while thousands of students graduate each year in agriculture, food science, and nutrition, many lack opportunities to translate their knowledge into real-world solutions.
He emphasized the need for programs that equip young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial experience and pathways to actively contribute to transforming Ghana’s food systems.
“We know young people are the ones who are most likely to bring about change that addresses the food system challenges we face today,” he said, noting that a coordinated approach involving education, practical skills and entrepreneurship is essential.
He explained that several Ghanaian institutions including the University of Ghana, Koforidua Technical University, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ashesi University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Health and Allied Sciences and University of Environment and Sustainable Development have joined forces with international partners such as McGill University and the Mastercard Foundation.
Together, they are creating integrated programs that train students and individuals across the food value chain, from production to marketing and processing, while also emphasizing sustainability, human health and environmental impact.
These programs also emphasize sustainability, human health and environmental impact.
Prof. Aryeetey added that these initiatives intentionally prioritize the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons to ensure equity and access to opportunities.
He further called for a supportive policy and financial environment to allow young entrepreneurs to thrive beyond seed funding.
“Entrepreneurship is one of the key ways we are focusing on.
We currently have about 100 young innovators whose ideas we are supporting and funding to scale. This is about creating not just local champions but global champions who can influence others around them,”he said.
The professor also stressed the need for a mindset shift among young Ghanaians to embrace technology, global networks and practical solutions for transforming the country’s food systems.
“Our goal is to equip them with confidence, knowledge, and practical skills so they can transform Ghana’s food systems sustainably,” he noted.
