Dumelo Urges Youth to Pursue Agriculture and Business at VYE
Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Dumelo urged Volta youths at the Volta Youth Entrepreneurs Forum on Thursday to tap the region’s agricultural and entrepreneurial opportunities as Ghana strives to curb its reliance on imports.
Speaking at the forum, which forms part of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair in Ho, Dumelo warned that not everyone will secure a “white‑collar” job and stressed the importance of ventures that create livelihoods and jobs for others.
“By next year, I want to return and see many younger people actively engaged in entrepreneurship and farming,” Dumelo stated, describing the event’s theme – “Empowering Volta’s Young Entrepreneurs for Global Partnerships and a Thriving 24‑Hour Economy” – as timely and crucial for a sustainable future.
Mrs Elsie Appau‑Klu, Technical Advisor to the Commissioner‑General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, called the forum an innovative platform for training, mentorship and business guidance, noting that young entrepreneurs are not only job creators but also key drivers of national economic growth.
“Without the growth of Ghana’s economic sectors, we at the GRA cannot mobilise the revenue needed for national development,” Appau‑Klu said, adding that the authority is committed to supporting youths in understanding tax systems.
She outlined new GRA interventions, including a modified taxation scheme that simplifies processes through digital platforms. Entrepreneurs earning below GH₵500,000 annually enjoy exemptions or flexible arrangements, while persons under thirty‑five receive additional reliefs under Ghana’s tax laws. Businesses located outside Accra and Tema may also qualify for tax holidays of up to five years.
Mama Bobi III, Queen of Bake and Afetornyornufia of Ho‑Bankoe, applauded the initiative, saying it is essential to shift young people’s mindset toward entrepreneurship. “Today, the wealthiest people are not those in eight‑to‑five jobs. Entrepreneurship is the way forward, especially at a time when formal employment is scarce,” she noted, urging the youth to pursue ventures that solve societal problems.
She lamented the low turnout of young people at developmental programmes compared with entertainment events, observing that while the fairgrounds were packed at midnight, only a fraction attended the forum. “As leaders, we are ready to support you, but your interest, commitment and presence are essential,” she added.
Several young entrepreneurs who attended told the Ghana News Agency that the programme offered valuable exposure, connections and inspiration to sharpen their skills and pursue their goals with renewed determination. The forum brought together CEOs, traditional leaders, legal practitioners and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region, laying a foundation for future partnerships and a more vibrant Volta economy.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
