The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, delivered a message at the Convention and 30th anniversary of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) in Atlanta, Georgia of the United States of America (USA). 

The delivery was under the theme "Empowering Our Youth Towards Innovative Entrepreneurship in Transformational Agriculture"

The Speaker called upon African governments to prioritise innovation and technology in agriculture to unlock Africa's potential as the world's food basket.

Speaker Bagbin stressed the importance of deploying advanced technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics in agriculture. 

These innovations, he emphasised, can optimise resource utilisation, monitor crop health, and increase yields.

Furthermore, it will empower young individuals in agriculture to make informed decisions based on reliable data, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency.

He highlighted the fact that today's youth are tech-savvy, making traditional farming methods less appealing to them. 

Mr Bagbin believed that by modernising agriculture and incorporating technology into farming practices, more young people would be attracted to the sector.

This, he argued, would address the global challenge of sustainable food production, stimulate economic opportunities in rural areas, and revolutionise food production, distribution, and consumption.

The Speaker underscored the need for innovative approaches to address issues such as post-harvest losses and the cyclical problem of surplus production followed by low prices and scarcity. 

He called for the adoption of innovative marketing strategies to bolster local economies, reduce food transportation distances, and optimize the food supply chain. 

This, he noted, would result in increased returns on investment for young farmers.

''To attract young people to agriculture, Speaker Bagbin urged governments to implement policies that promote secure land tenure and access for youth, including land redistribution, leasing programmes, and support for communal land ownership.

He emphasised the importance of involving women, indigenous communities, and rural youth in agriculture.

Additionally, he called upon financial institutions in Africa to provide young farmers with access to financing, low-interest loans, grants, and subsidies to facilitate investment in equipment and seeds.

Mr Bagbin emphasised that empowering youth in agriculture requires a comprehensive approach encompassing modernisation, education, resource access, policy support, and cultural attitudes.

He extended his congratulations to CEANA on its 30th anniversary, praising the association's resilience and commitment to improving farming practices and developing Ewe communities in Ghana, Togo, and Niger in North America. 

He commended CEANA's altruistic efforts to make a positive impact on current and future generations.

The Speaker was joined by his wife, Ms. Alice Adjua Yornas, as well as several Members of Parliament and his team during this significant event.