By July, over 130 young people, from tertiary students to recent graduates and young entrepreneurs, had applied to join the third cohort of the Horticulture Business Challenge (HBC), all eager to make their mark in Ghana\u2019s horticulture sector. After a rigorous interview process involving about 60 candidates, 36 outstanding participants advanced to the Kick-Off Program, which took place last Friday at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra.<\/p>\n
The Kick-Off marked the final selection stage of the initiative. During this stage, shortlisted candidates were grouped into teams and tasked with solving real business cases to determine the final 18 participants who will progress into the main internship program, beginning in September.<\/p>\n
The event brought together company representatives from the six participating firms within the horticulture and cocoa sector: Rosswood, Chocoluv, Farm Mate, Winter Food Trade, Fortune Coffee, and Abuburo Nkosua Foundation (five Ghanaian and one Dutch).<\/p>\n
Facilitation was led by coaches Susanne Roelofsen and Joana Chemel, together with Project Manager Tracy Abbey Mensah. Special guests included Inge Tenniglo from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who highlighted the Embassy\u2019s policy direction in Ghana, with a strong focus on supporting the horticulture sector and advancing youth employment..\u201cKeep working hard and driving impact,\u201d she urged participants, emphasizing the role of young Ghanaians in shaping the future of Ghana\u2019s horticulture sector.<\/p>\n
The Kick-Off also introduced participants to other initiatives within the broader ecosystem. Paul Anartey, Program Manager of the Youth in Food Program, and Eugene Eluerkeh, Programme Lead of Orange Corners Ghana (GrowthAfrica), highlighted ongoing opportunities for youth and entrepreneurship in agribusiness.<\/p>\n
The business case-solving exercise was a test of teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking. Participants were divided into 12 teams of three, but with only six available slots, competition was intense. After engaging with company representatives for clarification, the teams had just a few hours to prepare. Each group delivered a five-minute pitch followed by Q&A sessions. The final decision rested solely with the companies, as selected participants will be placed within these businesses to implement their proposed solutions.<\/p>\n
The internship program, scheduled to run from September to October, is structured to allow participants to work in companies from Monday to Thursday, while Fridays are reserved for group training in horticultural practices, soft skills, and field visits. Before the official start, participants will attend a three-day preparatory camp to equip them with essential tools for success. Throughout the program, they will also benefit from continuous coaching and mentorship.<\/p>\n
We extend our appreciation to all guests who joined the Kick-Off Program and congratulate the participants who made it to the final stage. With the Kick-Off complete, the stage is set for these young changemakers to put their ideas into action, and we look forward to sharing their journey in the weeks ahead.<\/p>\n
To follow the activities and progress on the HBC Program, please follow our social media handles below:<\/p>\n
LinkedIn:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gnbcc\/?viewAsMember=true
\nhttps:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/showcase\/hbcghana\/about\/?viewAsMember=true
\nInstagram:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/gnbcc.gh\/
\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hbcghana\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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