The Chief Executive Officer of Volta Peak Boutique Hotel and Volta Regional Deputy Secretary aspirant, Johnpaul Semavor, has encouraged young people to take advantage of the growing opportunities in coconut farming, describing the sector as a profitable venture with enormous potential for job creation, entrepreneurship and wealth generation.

Speaking at a youth empowerment forum and coconut seedling distribution programme organised by the Atidefe Foundation, Mr. Semavor said the coconut value chain offers diverse business opportunities that can provide sustainable incomes for young people if they commit themselves to the enterprise.

He noted that the foundation has consistently invested in youth empowerment through coconut farming since 2022 and, this year alone, distributed more than 5,000 coconut seedlings to beneficiaries.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at equipping young people with productive assets that will secure their economic future while encouraging other individuals and organisations to invest in similar interventions.

"This is a very commendable initiative. The youth need support, and coconut has a very lucrative value chain. Beyond the coconut water, you can produce coconut oil, use the shells for charcoal and engage in many other value-added businesses," he said.

Mr Semavor urged beneficiaries to take the project seriously, explaining that even cultivating a small plantation of about 50 coconut trees could generate substantial income within a few years.

He encouraged young entrepreneurs not only to sell fresh coconuts but also to process the crop into finished products such as coconut oil, package them under their own brands and market them locally and internationally.

"You can produce your own coconut oil, brand it with your own name and sell it on the market. The opportunities are enormous if the youth are willing to add value to the crop," he added.

Drawing from his observations in the Western Region, Mr. Semavor said coconut farming has become a thriving commercial enterprise with truckloads of coconuts transported for local consumption and export, particularly to neighbouring countries where they are used in the production of soap and other industrial products.

He expressed optimism that with sustained commitment from young people, the Akatsi area could emerge as one of the leading coconut-producing hubs in the Volta Region within the next five to ten years.

"If our youth embrace this opportunity, Akatsi can become the number one coconut destination in the region," he stated.

Mr Semavo commended all stakeholders supporting youth empowerment and called on beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.

In a further demonstration of his commitment to education and youth development, he also pledged to sponsor the education of two brilliant but needy students, enabling them to pursue studies at law school. 

He said the gesture forms part of the foundation's broader mission to nurture future leaders by removing financial barriers to quality education.

The youth empowerment forum and coconut seedling distribution programme brought together community members, youth groups and development partners to promote entrepreneurship, agricultural development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.