The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) in partnership AGRA is organizing a seven-day technical review workshop aimed at integrating youth perspectives into medium-term development plans for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The event, held in Aburi in the Eastern Region, marks a major step towards enhancing the role of young people in the agricultural sector.
Welcoming participants to the workshop, Dr. Sandra Kesse Amankwaa, Acting Head of the Development Plan Coordination Division at NDPC, underscored the importance of agriculture as the backbone of Ghana’s economy. "Agriculture provides food, raw materials for industries, employment, and exports," she noted, reiterating its critical role in national development.
Dr. Amankwaa posed a crucial question to the participants: "Have we adequately provided for our future leaders within the agriculture sector to ensure its continuous growth and sustainability?" She expressed concern that the answer remains largely negative, highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges faced by youth in agriculture.
The workshop aims to facilitate the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in agricultural policies and practices. 
Dr. Amankwaa acknowledged the support from AGRA, stating that the organization has provided NDPC with the opportunity to ensure that these marginalized groups are considered in development plans.
Mr. Bashiru Musah Dokurugu, Programme Officer at AGRA outlined two key strategic reasons for AGRA's investment in this initiative. First, he highlighted the lack of sustainability in many youth-targeted programs, which often dissipate once funding ends. He stressed the need for a framework that ensures investments not only align with government vision but also catalyze broader impact.
“Our little resources must contribute to a larger vehicle that can scale these programs effectively,” Mr. Dokurugu stated, urging stakeholders to consider how their projects can integrate seamlessly into the government’s long-term plans.
 He noted that most resources are concentrated at the district level, Mr. Dokurugu advocated for empowering district assemblies to devise and execute tailored interventions for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. By embedding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into district plans, he believes that local governments will be motivated to prioritize youth employment initiatives.
“Working with NDPC, we can develop a concrete plan that targets youth directly while ensuring that the district assemblies are held accountable,” he said. “This collaboration will foster a sense of ownership and sustainability, driving long-term success in addressing youth unemployment.”

The technical officers from the NDPC and AGRA will engage in discussions and activities designed to review existing Medium-Term Development Plans and Annual Progress Reports, assessing how well they incorporate youth needs and contributions. The goal is to create actionable toolkits that will guide local entities in mainstreaming these critical demographics into their planning and implementation processes.
Expressing gratitude to AGRA for its partnership, Dr. Amankwaa called on all attendees to actively participate and collaborate throughout the workshop. She stressed that the outcomes of this initiative will not only benefit the youth but also contribute to the overall sustainability and growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The workshop will run from March 24 to March 30, 2025, and is expected to produce valuable insights and frameworks for effective youth engagement in agriculture.