New Project ‘Nkabom’ Launched to Empower Youth and Transform Ghana’s Agri-Food Systems

The University of Ghana has launched the UG Nkabom Collaborative, a new initiative designed to empower young people to lead the transformation of Ghana’s agri-food systems. The launch ceremony, held on campus, brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, civil society and student-led enterprises in the agri-food sector.

The UG Nkabom Collaborative seeks to promote a more nutritious, equitable and sustainable food system by focusing on the inclusion of youth, women and persons with disabilities. The project will be implemented under three strategic pillars: Education & Empowerment, Access & Success and Entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Collaborative Lead for UG Nkabom, explained that the initiative aims to build a pipeline of innovators, leaders and changemakers who will drive inclusive transformation in Ghana’s food systems. “We believe that young people must be at the centre of agri-food system innovation,” he said.

Chairing the launch, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo expressed enthusiasm about the alignment of the Collaborative’s vision with the University’s strategic priorities. She noted that the initiative has the potential to yield far-reaching impacts on students, alumni and other key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

Mr. Pierre Brunache, Secretariat Director of the Nkabom Collaborative, acknowledged the support of institutional partners and unveiled the initiative’s flagship campaign: “Legon Feeds Accra.” The campaign aims to convert open spaces on and around the UG campus into thriving hubs for greenhouse farming and urban gardening.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Anna Lartey of the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and former Director of Nutrition at the UN-FAO, underscored the importance of building equitable, nutrition-sensitive food systems across Africa. She called on institutions to invest in innovations that ensure healthy, accessible food for all.

Hon. John Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, praised the University’s efforts and urged the continued use of its land resources to support national food security efforts.

Representatives from the Mastercard Foundation, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection also delivered remarks, affirming their commitment to supporting inclusive food systems development.

The event featured a panel discussion with experts from agriculture, academia, policy and technology, who shared insights on entrepreneurship, innovation and systems thinking in agri-food development.

In a showcase of youth-led innovation, student start-ups that participated in the Nkabom Ideas Surgery and Boot Camp in April exhibited their products and ideas through posters and demonstrations.

The UG Nkabom Collaborative marks a bold step toward building inclusive, youth-driven solutions for sustainable food systems in Ghana and beyond.