The National Service Authority (NSA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to scale up its agribusiness programme, targeting the rearing of 500,000 poultry birds and the recruitment of 50,000 young people into the agricultural value chain within the next year.
Ruth Dela Seddoh, Director-General of the NSA, disclosed the projections in an interview with the media at the Agri-impact dinner and awards event, noting that the initiative had already demonstrated impressive progress.
“Within just eight months, we moved from 2,500 to 100,000 birds. By next year, we are confident that our farms will reach 500,000 birds,” she said. “This is not just about farming, it is about building a future for young people and giving them a stake in agribusiness.”
The NSA, which expects to deploy about 150,000 national service personnel this year, is actively working to channel at least 50,000 of them into agribusiness-related ventures.
The programme is designed to strengthen skills, create jobs, and enhance food security, while also supporting Ghana’s broader industrialisation agenda.
According to Ms. Seddoh, the NSA is taking deliberate steps to reduce barriers for young entrants, particularly women. She revealed that the Authority is offering day-old broilers at heavily subsidised prices, selling for GH¢70 instead of the prevailing market rate of GH¢150.
“This tells you that practical steps are being taken. It is not just about making money, but about creating opportunities for young people to succeed,” she stressed.
The NSA’s intervention comes amid concerns raised by industry players about costs associated with the poultry sector. Ms. Seddoh acknowledged these worries but urged industry stakeholders to consider the long-term benefits of investing in youth-driven agribusiness.
“Of course, everyone wants to reduce their costs, and we understand that. But we also want to encourage stakeholders to support these young people. The goal of our farming projects is not just to generate revenue but to support the country and its youth,” she explained.
To address concerns raised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and other partners, Ms. Seddoh noted that the NSA is committed to dialogue and consensus-building.
“We have a representative from the AGI on our board of governors, and we intend to engage with them one-on-one. We will listen to grievances and ensure that the final outcomes are fair and beneficial to all parties,” she assured.
The NSA’s agribusiness expansion forms part of a larger strategy to reposition national service from a one-year transition scheme into a platform that empowers graduates with entrepreneurial skills and practical experience.
Importantly, stakeholders believe that if successful, the project could significantly reduce youth unemployment, cut Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry, and create sustainable livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.
