Dr. Otokunor Urges Financial Inclusion for Women and Youth in Agribusiness

The Director of the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has called for stronger market access and financial inclusion for women and youth in the agribusiness sector. He appealed while addressing participants at the EliGreen Women and Youth Agribusiness Exhibition Summit (EWAYES 25), held at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Securing Market and Financial Access for Women and Youth in the Agribusiness Sector.”

Dr. Otokunor emphasized President John Dramani Mahama’s dedication to inclusive agricultural development, stating, “President Mahama strongly believes that when women and youth succeed in agriculture, Ghana succeeds.”

Highlighting key government programmes, Dr. Otokunor mentioned the Dobidi Agro-Input Credit and Farmer Financing Platform (DACFIP), a digital system connecting farmers to input credit, financing, and technical support. “Its promise is simple but profound to ensure that no farmer is left behind because of a lack of access to finance,” he noted.

He also outlined other initiatives, including the School Farm Initiative, set to be launched on October 21 at Kpedze Senior High School, the Youth Agriculture Estate Programme, and the Poultry and Livestock Training Initiative, all aimed at building an inclusive and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Dr. Otokunor urged banks to reframe their perception of agriculture, describing it as a “high-potential” rather than a “high-risk” sector. He encouraged development partners and private investors to collaborate on the Dobidi platform to empower rural agripreneurs.

“To the women and young people here today, this is your time. Do not wait for opportunity; create it. You are not just the future of agriculture, you are its heartbeat,” he affirmed.

He concluded by declaring the summit officially opened, expressing confidence that with visionary leadership and partnership, “the future of agriculture in Ghana is bright, inclusive, and unstoppable.”