Prophet Isaac Ofosuhene Gyimah, founder of Captain Jesus Prayer House, has appealed to the government to provide tractors and mechanised farming equipment to young Ghanaians to encourage them to venture into agriculture.
According to him, increased investment in agriculture, particularly by empowering the youth with the necessary machinery and support, could boost local food production, create employment and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported food crops.
Speaking after a tour of his farm at Ashaiman, Prophet Gyimah said his passion for agriculture dates back about four decades, explaining that the initiative was revealed to him around 1983 and 1984.
He said agriculture had remained an important part of his life since his school days, when he sold farm produce including tomatoes, garden eggs and pepper to his schoolmates.
Prophet Gyimah said his farming activities have since expanded, with farms established in different parts of the country, including the Eastern, Western and Volta regions.
He attributed his continued involvement in farming to his love for Ghana and his desire to contribute to national development.
“The reason why I ventured into farming was because of the progress of the nation. My family was born for this country. Whatever I do, I do it for the love for the nation and human race.”
He said he had been blessed in his farming activities over the years and recounted what he described as God’s favour, including receiving rainfall even when he cultivated during the dry season.
Prophet Gyimah, who was raised in a farming community, said his parents were also farmers, giving him early exposure to agriculture. He later established his own farm and gradually expanded his operations.
He said his farming journey was also influenced by the biblical account of Peter the fisherman, adding that his own experience taught him the value of starting with what one has and building gradually.
Agriculture, jobs and food security
Prophet Gyimah believes greater investment in agriculture could help address unemployment and some social challenges confronting the country.
“If we invest in agriculture, unemployment rate will reduce drastically, and crime rate will reduce.”
He therefore urged the government to make agricultural support for young people a priority by providing tractors and other mechanised equipment to enable them to cultivate larger areas and increase production.
“I am appealing to the President of Ghana. He should supply tractors and mechanised equipment to the youth to venture into agriculture.”
He argued that increased domestic food production would reduce the need for Ghana to rely heavily on imported food crops.
“If we are able to do this, we don’t need to import food crops into this country.”
According to Prophet Gyimah, a stronger agricultural sector could also contribute to the success of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative by creating sustained economic activity, employment and opportunities along the agricultural value chain.
He also referred to Jeremiah 29:1 in speaking about farming systems and the importance of agricultural development.
Call for youth participation
Prophet Gyimah urged young Ghanaians not to allow negative perceptions about farming to prevent them from entering the sector.
He said agriculture should not be regarded as an occupation only for older people or those without formal education, stressing that young people with the right passion, knowledge and commitment could build successful careers and businesses in agriculture.
“My advice for the youth is: don’t listen to bad advice. Venture into agriculture. Agriculture is not only for the old or illiterate, as many have been saying.”
He encouraged young people who have an interest in farming to pursue it, describing agriculture as a potentially lucrative venture when approached with proper planning and dedication.
“Anyone who has the passion to enter into agriculture, I urge you to do it. It is a lucrative venture.”
The founder of Captain Jesus Prayer House added that his support for agriculture goes beyond verbal encouragement, saying he also assists people who want to venture into farming.
“I don’t give only advice. I also support those who want to do agriculture. I urge the government to do the same.”
Government support and post-harvest challenges
Prophet Gyimah stressed that his appeal to the government was not for personal financial assistance but for practical interventions that could make farming more productive and attractive to more people.
He called for investment in post-harvest infrastructure, including storage and processing facilities, to prevent farmers from losing their produce after investing considerable time and resources in cultivation.
“When after the sowing, weeding and everything goes wasted, then what is the essence of farming?”
He added:
“I am not asking for any funds from government. Let us support agriculture. For me, it is the economic freedom for this country.”
Prophet Gyimah said farmers and other citizens were already contributing their time, resources and lives to the development of Ghana, and government support could help multiply those efforts.
He said his current farming activities at Ashaiman include the cultivation of tomatoes, pepper, okro and other crops.
Prophet Gyimah believes that with increased mechanisation, improved post-harvest infrastructure, knowledge-sharing and greater youth participation, Ghana can increase food production, reduce food losses, create jobs and strengthen the contribution of agriculture to the national economy.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
