Dumelo encourages youth participation in agriculture, entrepreneurship at VYE Forum

Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has urged young people in the Volta Region to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and entrepreneurship to build sustainable livelihoods and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported goods.

Speaking at the Volta Youth Entrepreneurs Forum, held alongside the Volta Trade and Investment Fair in Ho, Mr Dumelo noted that not everyone would secure a formal “white-collar” job. He stressed the need for young people to embrace income-generating ventures that can create employment for themselves and others.

He described the forum—held under the theme “Empowering Volta’s Young Entrepreneurs for Global Partnerships and a Thriving 24-Hour Economy”—as an important platform for preparing young people for economic growth and global competitiveness.

“By next year, I want to see more young people actively participating in entrepreneurship and farming,” he said.

Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mrs Elsie Appau-Klu, praised the initiative as a timely platform for mentorship and business support. She said the GRA views young entrepreneurs as key partners in national development, since their growth directly enhances revenue mobilization.

She outlined several GRA tax interventions aimed at easing the burden on young business owners. These include simplified digital tax processes, exemptions or flexible arrangements for businesses earning below GH¢500,000 annually, special reliefs for entrepreneurs under 35, and tax holidays of up to five years for businesses outside Accra and Tema.

Mrs Appau-Klu encouraged Volta Region youth to explore opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and education, assuring them of GRA’s commitment to help young entrepreneurs understand the tax system and scale their ventures.

Traditional leader Mama Bobi III, Queen of Bake and Afetornyornufia of Ho-Bankoe, also commended the forum, saying it was vital for shifting youth interest toward entrepreneurship. Drawing on her experience as a judge, she emphasised that entrepreneurship—not salaried work—is the main path to wealth and sustainable national progress.

She expressed concern about the low youth turnout at developmental programmes compared to entertainment events, noting that while the fairgrounds were busy at night, only a fraction attended the forum. She encouraged young people to pursue ventures that address societal challenges and make use of mentorship and networking opportunities.

“As leaders, we are ready to support you, but your commitment and presence are essential,” she said. She also called for improved engagement between leaders and young people seeking guidance.

Young entrepreneurs who participated told the Ghana News Agency that the forum offered valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and renewed motivation to enhance their skills and pursue their business ambitions.

The event brought together business owners, CEOs, traditional authorities, legal practitioners, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region.