The School of Agriculture (SoA) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has launched its maiden Agri Impact Series, a bold alumni-driven initiative designed to equip students with practical skills, mentorship, and clear career pathways within Ghana’s growing agricultural sector.
The platform seeks to bridge the gap between academic training and industry demands by connecting students with accomplished alumni and agribusiness leaders. Held under the theme, “The Agri-Professional Playbook: Navigating Your Career Path Post-Graduation,” the maiden edition focused on empowering students to transition confidently from lecture halls to the field.
Launching the initiative, the Head of the Department of Animal Science, Prof. Julius Kofi Hagan, who represented the Dean of the School, described the series as part of a broader strategy to prepare students for the realities of the job market. He emphasized that the initiative is intentionally designed to address graduate unemployment by fostering entrepreneurial thinking among students.
“We want to produce graduates who are well positioned to create jobs for themselves and for others,” he stressed.
Prof. Hagan highlighted the success of the School’s Students Farm Project, noting that several students are already actively engaged in crop (particularly vegetable) and animal production even before graduation. Currently, students involved in the project produce 90 percent of all vegetables from the School Farm.
“Our students are effectively utilising the lands around the University farm area for productive agricultural activities, and we are even exploring additional lands for those who have demonstrated strong interest in farming,” he added.
The Head of the Department of Crop Science, Prof. Michael Osei Adu, described the Agri Impact Series as a strategic intervention to inspire excellence and unlock the vast potential within Ghana’s agriculture sector. According to him, agriculture must be repositioned in the minds of young people—not as a last resort, but as a viable and profitable career path.
The event featured Mr. Stephen Ashia, Chief Executive of ABOCFA Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Society Limited and an alumnus of the School. He urged students to invest in personal development while in school to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agribusiness and value chain development.
The launch of the Agri Impact Series signals a renewed commitment by the School of Agriculture to move beyond theory and nurture industry-ready graduates. As Ghana continues to prioritize food security, agribusiness expansion, and youth employment, initiatives that connect education with enterprise are increasingly seen as essential to national development.
With lecturers, staff, and students in attendance, the maiden edition set the tone for sustained alumni engagement and practical mentorship—positioning agriculture not only as a field of study but as a pathway to innovation, job creation, and economic transformation.
