MTN Ghana, in partnership with the University of Ghana and Defarmercist Group Limited, has officially opened the Vegetable Centre of Excellence at the University of Ghana School of Agriculture.
The initiative underscores MTN Ghana's commitment to modernizing agriculture, equipping young farmers with practical skills, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
© University of Ghana
MTN CEO highlights agriculture, technology, and food security
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Stephen Blewett, speaking at the opening ceremony, noted that the initiative aligns with national efforts to transform the agricultural sector through technology.
He emphasized the company's dedication to supporting Ghana's agricultural modernization and called for greater collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector.
Reflecting on his personal connection to farming, he said: "No farmers, no food. I never grew up on a farm, but my wife and her family are from a farming background. The lesson was clear: agriculture is critical to survival."
Mr. Blewett highlighted MTN Ghana's efforts to digitize the agricultural supply chain and provide unbanked farmers with access to financial services through MTN Mobile Money. Initially targeting high-value crops such as cocoa, these initiatives are now expanding to cover a wider range of agricultural markets.
He also detailed the MTN Foundation's efforts since 2022, training over 200 rural women in digital farming skills, mechanized farming, drip irrigation, and fertigation systems, enabling year-round production.
Expressing concern about youth disinterest in farming, the CEO said: "A lot of young people say they want jobs, but not farming.
If we don't integrate technology, agriculture will remain outdated. Digital transformation must move faster in agriculture than it currently does."
He also cited the Digital for Good Masterclass, which trains young agricultural players on digital solutions for finance, market access, and cybersecurity.
GH₵3 million investment in modern agricultural training
MTN Ghana has invested GH₵3 million in the Vegetable Centre of Excellence, a five-acre facility featuring three greenhouses (one serving as a nursery), training spaces, a 24kW solar power system, two boreholes, four water storage tanks, drip irrigation with digital valves and timers, plus open-field beds equipped with mulching and flowering systems.
"This centre demonstrates that modern farming is a viable, lucrative, and high-tech career," said the CEO. "With today's tools and innovations, agriculture can become a rewarding and exciting venture."
He encouraged the public to consider farming as a side business, joking: "If you live in Ghana and don't have a side hustle, something is wrong. This is an entrepreneurial nation."
Mr. Blewett urged students, academics, and young entrepreneurs to fully utilize the Centre's resources: "You are the digital trailblazers who will lead Ghana's agricultural revolution." He also wished all farmers a happy Farmers' Day in advance.
MTN Sustainability Chief highlights net zero vision
Madam Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, emphasized that sustainability underpins MTN's operations.
"At MTN, we say sustainability is our commitment and sustainability is our purpose. Our vision of digital solutions for Africa's progress depends on sustainability," she said.
She highlighted MTN's target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, reflected in the solar-powered infrastructure of the Centre. She also emphasized the Centre's wider impact, including short agricultural courses for the public and pathways to youth employment.
"This project must be scalable and make a meaningful impact on communities, youth, and the economy," she added.
MTN Foundation Board Member: Advancing youth skills
Mr Samuel Koranteng, MTN Foundation Board Member, described the Centre as an extension of the foundation's 18-year legacy in health, education, and economic empowerment.
"This is our first major project in agriculture, and it equips young people with practical skills, from budgeting to mechanized farming, preparing them to become agripreneurs," he said.
He highlighted the Centre's training impact, noting that over 182 students from the School of Agriculture have gained practical skills and that the facility has already created more than ten jobs.
University of Ghana Pro Vice-Chancellor stresses hands-on learning
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development, described the Centre as a bridge between classroom learning and practical agricultural experience.
"This is not just a facility; it is a movement that places vegetables, technology, and people at the center of a new agricultural future for Ghana and beyond. Students gain confidence, practical competence, and networks that make them employable and entrepreneurial from day one," he said.g
He emphasized that collaboration among the private sector, academia, and development-focused foundations creates a model for transformation across other sectors.
Dr. Naa Lamle Amissah, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Crop Science, described the Vegetable Centre as a living classroom, business incubator, and community resource.
"Its success will be measured not only in harvests but in the confidence of students who see agriculture as a career, and the innovation of young entrepreneurs who build businesses from the skills learned here. Let us support this hub through partnerships and resources," she said.
Mr Kwasi Etu-Bonde, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, highlighted the Centre's role in training 300 young entrepreneurs and supporting the government's Feed Ghana Programme.
"This project will create jobs, increase vegetable production, enable year-round farming, and make agriculture attractive to youth. Partnerships like this one between the University of Ghana, Defarmercist, and MTN Foundation complement national efforts and show what can be achieved through collaboration," he said, praising the technology-driven approach, including fertigation, drip irrigation, mulching, and nutrient recycling.
Defarmercist Co-Founder highlights practical skills and commercial growing
The Co-Founder of Defarmercist Group Limited, Mr Charles Agyemang, emphasized the Centre's hands-on benefits.
"Our goal is to ensure that every student graduating from this university gains employable skills in agriculture. This Centre provides practical experience in modern farming and prepares students for commercial agriculture. It is open to anyone interested in training," he said.
He added that exposure to technology and modern farming practices allows young people to generate revenue efficiently and turn agriculture into a profitable career.
© University of Ghana
The Vegetable Centre of Excellence marks a major step toward technology-driven agriculture in Ghana. By combining modern tools, sustainable practices, and entrepreneurship training, MTN Ghana and partners aim to make farming a profitable, sustainable, and exciting career for youth, strengthen food security, and promote innovation across the agricultural sector.
The event drew government officials, university leaders, MTN executives, students, media, and development partners ahead of Ghana's national Farmers' Day celebration.
For more information:
University of Ghana
Email: [email protected]
ug.edu.gh/
Defarmercist
defarmercistlimited.com/
