The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has launched “the School Farm Initiative” — a bold program aimed at turning schools into hubs of agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Mr. Debrah declared that agriculture must no longer be seen as punishment or a last resort, but as a modern, dignified, and competitive enterprise.
“We are not just planting crops; we are planting the seeds of self-reliance, creativity, and entrepreneurship in our young people,” Debrah told the packed gathering.
Let’s use Agriculture as Innovation, Not Punishment.
In a passionate call, Debrah urged headmasters to end the practice of using weeding as punishment for students.
“When a child is punished with weeding, the child grows up associating farming with shame or suffering. Let children see farming as innovation, not punishment,” he stressed- Hon. Julius Debrah
The Chief of Staff made it clear that the initiative will only succeed if every sector pulls its weight:
•Government will drive enabling policies and national coordination.
•GES must weave agriculture into everyday teaching.
•GETFund will invest in infrastructure.
•National Service personnel will provide technical support.
•Teachers and parents are to mentor and encourage students to see farming as a pathway to success.
Describing the program as a legacy project, Debrah recalled Ghana’s past under Acheampong’s “Operation Feed Yourself” when agriculture captured the imagination of every child. “We can do that again,” he declared.
He challenged parents, teachers, and students to embrace the School Farm Initiative as more than policy — but a movement of national pride and food security.
“If we succeed, we will not only secure food for our nation but build a generation of young Ghanaians who see agriculture as a source of pride, prosperity, and power,” Debrah concluded, drawing loud applause.
