The GAEC has trained some Ghanaian youth in yoghurt production
The Biotechnology Center (BTC) of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), has held a one-day intensive training workshop in Accra to equip participants with modern yogurt production skills backed by scientific research.
The initiative, which targeted aspiring food entrepreneurs and small-scale producers, aimed to tackle the influx of substandard yogurt products on the Ghanaian market and lay the foundation for a more robust, locally-driven dairy industry.
Speaking at the event, Dr Delali Kottoh, a Senior Research Scientist at GAEC, educated participants on the various types of yogurt and their associated health benefits.
He stressed the importance of hygiene and quality control in yogurt production.
“There are three main types of yogurt products that I will introduce you to today. We have Live Yoghurt, Probiotic Yoghurt, and Bio Yoghurt,” he said.
He explained that probiotic and bio yogurts are especially beneficial to human gut health and the immune system.
“The human immune system helps fight all kinds of diseases and yoghurt consumption is most recommended after meals, during digestive issues, or as a daily supplement to support overall wellness,” he added.
Beyond health, Dr Kottoh highlighted the economic potential of yogurt production, stressing that effective branding and packaging could help local products stand out in an increasingly health-conscious market.
“Branding and Packaging which involves using attractive, informative, and tamper-proof packaging to aid the product to stand out in local markets as well as highlighting the health benefits of some specific yogurt such as probiotic and bio yoghurts helps to appeal to health-conscious consumers,” he stated.
He further encouraged producers to consider targeted sales channels such as schools, gyms, supermarkets, and local markets, while also leveraging social media to increase visibility and consumer engagement.
The session brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, including officials from GAEC, department heads, and members of the public with interests in agribusiness, food science, and small-scale processing.
The training marks part of GAEC’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between science and industry for national development.
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