A section of MTN officials and UG lecturers at the facility
MTN Ghana, in partnership with the University of Ghana and Defarmacist, has officially opened the Vegetable Hub of Excellence, a modern agricultural training and production facility designed to transform how young people engage in farming.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, described the project as “an amazing initiative” that merges classroom learning with hands-on experience.
“What is really encouraging is seeing young people embrace farming. As the President has stated, we must be able to stand on our own feet, not only producing enough food for Ghana, but also for the rest of Africa and the world. When you add technology to farming, it becomes attractive to the younger generation,” he said.
He emphasised that protecting and supporting farmers is essential for national food security and noted that initiatives like the Vegetable Hub of Excellence play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of agripreneurs.
Blewett also highlighted the importance of agritech partnerships, explaining that technology helps reduce the uncertainties traditionally associated with farming.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, described the hub as a powerful testament to what strategic partnerships can achieve.
Prof. Asante stressed that the hub presents a promising future for young people who often struggle to see agriculture as a viable career path.
He noted that many farmers, especially women, still lack access to modern technologies, skills, and market opportunities that could significantly improve their livelihoods.
The Co-founder of Defarmacist Group Limited, Charles Agyemang, explained that the hub provides a practical environment where students can learn hands-on cultivation techniques and modern farming methods that prepare them for commercial agriculture.
“It’s not easy for an agriculture graduate to apply for a conventional job. So we want to ensure they come out with real skills that enable them to start production immediately,” he said.
He added that the facility is not only for University of Ghana students but is open to others seeking practical agricultural training.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke