Chief Executive Officer-Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Mark Badu-Aboagye, has emphasised the potential of small-enterprise development for building farmers’ resilience against climate change in agricultural communities.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting for the GreenGrowth Project at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Mr. Badu-Aboagye urged government to support policy reforms that promote the development of small enterprises – which are crucial for sustainable development in rural communities.
These enterprises can provide alternative livelihoods for rural farmers, particularly women and youth, enabling them to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
The GNCCI boss reiterated that the Chamber represents not only medium to large enterprises but also small enterprises, acknowledging the importance of agroforestry in mitigating the effects of climate change and providing livelihood opportunities for youth in the region.
The GreenGrowth Project, a partnership between the GNCCI and Presbyterian University of Ghana, aims to empower women and youth in agro-forestry value chains and the circular economy.
The project, supported by the European Union Delegation in Ghana, seeks to create a conducive environment through policy reforms that promote sustainable agriculture, decent work, and entrepreneurship in the green and circular economy.
Mr. Jeremiah Tengan-Bontariba, Regional Manager-Wa Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the importance of investing in local communities while highlighting untapped business opportunities in the northern regions. He stressed the need for both private and government resources to be invested in small communities to create jobs for unemployed youth.
