The Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, has underscored the transformative potential of the Harnessing Agricultural Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) Programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and fostering sustainable agricultural development in Ghana.
Launched as a four-year ambitious project, the HAPPY Programme seeks to create over 326,000 dignified and sustainable agricultural jobs across the country. The initiative is designed to empower Ghanaian youth by providing them with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in the agricultural sector, thereby addressing one of the country’s most pressing challenges – youth unemployment.
Speaking during the orientation for National Service personnel deployed under the initiative, Mr. Assibey Antwi emphasised the NSA’s renewed focus on youth empowerment, national development, and economic transformation.
The Director-General expressed enthusiasm for the programme’s potential to redefine Ghana’s agricultural and entrepreneurial landscape. He mentioned the NSA’s strategic repositioning under the National Service Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1119), which expands the institution’s mandate to focus on “Innovative Deployment for Employment”. “The HAPPY Programme comes at a critical time when we must harness the energy of our youth to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth,” he said.
Partnership
The programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Agri-Impact Limited, aims to equip young graduates with employability skills, entrepreneurial acumen, and the expertise needed to thrive in agriculture and other key sectors.
Mr. Assibey Antwi highlighted the untapped potential of Ghana’s agricultural sector, stressing that “the HAPPY Programme is more than farming—it is a nation-building initiative. He appealed to the Ministry of Local Government to release District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment for agricultural land development”.
He announced plans to collaborate with the Ghana Armed Forces to establish ranches nationwide, aimed at revolutionising livestock farming, creating jobs, and stabilising the country’s meat and dairy industries. “These initiatives will not only improve food security but also create countless opportunities for young people across Ghana,” he noted.
Beyond agriculture, Mr. Osei Assibey indicated the Authority was committed to nurturing entrepreneurship among service personnel. He said through partnerships with the housing, construction, and agricultural mechanisation sectors, the HAPPY Programme seeks to empower participants to become job creators. Hon. Assibey Antwi assured participants of robust support systems, including mentorship programs, funding access, and collaboration with private-sector players.
“Entrepreneurship is not without challenges, but we are here to provide the tools and opportunities you need to succeed. Together, we will create a future where young people drive economic growth and innovation,” he said.
Commitment
The Director-General emphasised the NSA’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for women and persons with disabilities. He called for all stakeholders to rally behind youth-focused initiatives, recognising them as critical to Ghana’s socio-economic progress.
Mr. Assibey Antwi also shed light on the importance of ICT and teaching in nation-building. National Service personnel deployed to ICT roles will drive digital literacy in underserved communities, while teaching personnel will shape the next generation of Ghanaians.
The Director-General encouraged personnel to approach their year of service with determination and innovation, reminding them that their contributions would leave a lasting legacy.
“Challenges may arise, but with your energy and creativity, you will transform these into opportunities for growth and success,” he added. He further hinted that the orientation marked the beginning of a significant chapter for the NSA and its personnel, setting the stage for a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant Ghana.
