The District Chief Executive for Kumawu, Kwasi Amankwaa, has positioned the newly launched Youth in Palm Plantation project as a transformative intervention to tackle unemployment and drive economic growth across the district.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Amankwaa underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in unlocking opportunities for young people, announcing a collaboration with Philbro Group Limited and dancehall artiste Shatta Wale to deliver sustainable jobs through agribusiness.

“This partnership is about creating real opportunities, building strong collaboration, and empowering our youth to secure a better future,” he stated.

The DCE described the initiative as a bold and practical response to youth unemployment, noting that the project’s focus on large-scale palm cultivation, processing, and marketing would establish a full agricultural value chain within Kumawu. According to him, this approach will not only generate jobs but also ensure long-term income streams for beneficiaries.

Mr. Amankwaa stressed that the project goes beyond farming, highlighting its potential to equip young people with critical skills in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and value addition.

He added that by integrating production with processing and distribution, the initiative will keep more economic value within the district.

He further noted that the involvement of Philbro Group brings significant technical expertise, investment capacity, and access to markets, which are essential for the project’s sustainability and scale.

At the same time, he said the participation of Shatta Wale is expected to energise and mobilise the youth, using his influence to drive interest and participation.

The Kumawu DCE emphasised that the project aligns with the district’s broader development agenda of promoting agribusiness as a key pillar for economic transformation.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would stimulate local economic activity, create multiple streams of employment, and improve livelihoods.

Mr. Amankwaa also commended the partners for their commitment to the vision, assuring them of the Assembly’s full support to ensure the success of the project.

The Youth in Palm Plantation project, he concluded, represents a critical step toward building a resilient local economy anchored on youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable agriculture.