As part of pragmatic efforts in addressing key challenges in environmental sustainability, agricultural innovation, youth unemployment, and inclusive development in Ghana, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, and its partners the MasterCard Foundation have launched the Nkabom Project.

The Nkabom Project designed to run for 10 years is expected to provide dignified and fulfilling work for three million young Ghanaians by 2030.

The project focuses on converting agricultural waste into valuable resources, advancing aquaculture practices through cutting-edge technology, and fostering sustainable, entrepreneurship-driven livelihoods for youth, women, and marginalised communities.

Addressing journalists at the inception launch in Koforidua, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD and Principal Investigator of the UESD Nkabom Project, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, stated that the project will serve as a model for agro-waste transformation and aquaculture innovation in Ghana and beyond.

“The project is very keen for us as a university and it aligns with our visions and mission. The project gives us the key to really go into research and come up with how to deal with agro-waste and come up with products that will serve the community.

“Oftentimes, many think that most of the things that come out of agricultural products are waste, but how can we turn them into usable products? So, these things are useful for us. When it comes to aquaculture, we are told that the Eastern Region contributes 40% of inland fishing to the nation. So, this puts us good position to train people and give them skills,” he stated.

Prof. Nyarko-Sampson further revealed that the project offers the University an opportunity to provide expert training and education in agro-waste management across the country and said that the University is expected to roll out academic programmes on effective agro-waste management by the end of the year.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UESD and Project Coordinator of the Nkabom Project, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, observed that the project will generate employment opportunities for Ghanaians by equipping them with skills in adding value to agro-waste.

He emphasised that the training would be inclusive and open to all Ghanaians.

“We are having tertiary programmes that will train people not to go and beg for job, but they will have entrepreneurial skills where they can use this agro-waste processing or aquaculture technology to end an income,” he stated.