Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of Agro Kings, Nana Achau, has urged young people to consider agriculture as a viable career and business opportunity, warning that Ghana could face serious food insecurity if the youth fail to get involved in food production.
According to Nana Achau, the future of farming in Ghana requires a new generation of young people to move beyond the perception that agriculture is only for older people or those seeking retirement activities.
He said the growing population of Africa makes food production increasingly important, particularly as Ghana continues to depend heavily on imported food.
“The future of farming in Ghana is scary,” Nana Achau said, stressing the need for urgent investments in agriculture and greater youth participation in the sector.
He noted that more than half of Africa’s population is made up of young people, adding that the continent’s population will continue to grow significantly in the coming years.
Nana Achau believes this population growth could intensify food insecurity if young people are not encouraged to participate in agriculture.
He also called for a shift from traditional approaches to farming towards modern, commercial agriculture supported by technology, investment and proper management.
According to him, farming on a small plot of land is different from operating a large commercial farm and requires a different mindset, tools and level of planning.
Nana Achau, who is also the founder and CEO of Kings Innovations, said his own journey into agriculture was shaped by several experiences and setbacks.
His business interests include real estate, technology, agriculture and other ventures, while Agro Kings produces the Nana’s Rice brand.
He recounted that his first attempts at agriculture involved maize and cattle farming, both of which encountered challenges. However, he said those experiences taught him the importance of assessing failures, identifying problems and finding better solutions.
His rice venture began after he encountered farmers producing high-quality rice in the Akuse area.
Nana Achau said he initially supported farmers because he wanted access to quality rice for his own consumption. However, after producing the rice, he eventually decided to bypass middlemen and sell the product directly to consumers.
He packaged 36 five-kilogram bags of rice and promoted them on WhatsApp. According to him, all the bags were sold within about two hours.
That experience encouraged him to scale up the Agro Kings operation and develop the Nana’s Rice brand.
Nana Achau said his current farming operation has a target of 10,000 acres, although he has so far cultivated about 700 to 800 acres.
Beyond his own business, he said agricultural ventures should also contribute to the development of surrounding communities.
He cited investments in irrigation, solar power and road networks intended to improve living conditions for people around his farming communities.
Nana Achau further urged young people to move away from excessive dependence on traditional white-collar employment and explore opportunities within agriculture and agribusiness.
He said young people could identify unused land in their communities and begin producing crops or exploring agricultural value chains with commercial potential.
Using lemongrass as an example, he noted that what is often regarded as a weed in Ghana can be processed into essential oils for skincare, haircare, body products and perfumes.
He therefore encouraged the youth to focus on creating opportunities rather than waiting solely for government or corporate jobs.
Nana Achau also cautioned against remaining in comfort zones, arguing that economic difficulties could make food production increasingly important.
He believes agriculture should no longer be viewed as an unattractive profession, but rather as a strategic sector capable of creating jobs, businesses and long-term economic opportunities for Ghana’s youth.
