Maxwell Amponsah Mensah: The Future of Ghana is Farming
Maxwell Amponsah Mensah, a returning guest on the Business Link show with Dj Nyaami, shared powerful insights about his journey and the current state of agriculture in Ghana. Having started poultry farming in the Ashanti Region, Maxwell is now focused on helping young people break into the agricultural sector.
He revealed that he receives numerous calls from people interested in farming, and he actively supports them.
“A lot of the youth are finally waking up to the opportunities in farming,” he said. “Some even tried going abroad, but ended up being duped by their own spouses or family members.”
Maxwell emphasized that the real heroes are those in Ghana, hustling and managing small businesses.
“Young men and women are venturing into poultry farming. In the next 10 years, Ghana can be like Dubai — people will make serious money here.”
He shared the story of a woman who makes GH¢5,000 monthly just from selling Indomie and eggs. According to Maxwell, after galamsey (illegal mining), the second most lucrative industry is farming.
“The richest people in Ghana are farmers,” he said. “A neighbor of mine deals in ginger and recently loaded 250 bags — each worth GH¢4,500. Do the math.”
Despite this, Maxwell admitted that many of his classmates from university still don’t believe in his vision.
“They think I’m bragging,” he laughed. “But through platforms like SVTV, I’ve spoken to officials at the Ministry of Agriculture and told them to sack anyone who says there are no jobs in Ghana. There’s land, there’s opportunity. Grow crops, raise animals, and you’ll be fine.”
He recalled meeting his sister who returned from the U.S., and how she introduced him to someone who wanted to travel abroad.
“I told him, if you take farming seriously, you won’t even think about leaving. Now, he’s started his farm, and I coach him virtually.”
However, Maxwell noted that politicians have taken over many lands, and it’s hard for ordinary citizens to get access.
“By 2028, I plan to run for MP in my hometown. The youth must depend on God, not humans. Keep your plans to yourself and work hard.”
He praised Mr. Obeng Darko for his role in educating young people and said he’d gladly join efforts to speak to youth in the ghettos.
“They’re not useless. Talk to them and they’ll change. Our ancestors found blessings in farming — we can too.”
Maxwell passionately said,
“If I were sent to prison as an ‘Agricultural Inmate,’ I’d teach others how to farm. When they come out, they’ll have skills for life.”
He acknowledged the risks in farming, like waking up to 400 dead birds, but urged people not to blame the government too much.
“Give us rules and support, that’s what we need. In Nigeria, they do poultry big time — the government even restricted imported chicken to boost local production.”
He shared how someone used eggshells to create an artwork of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“That’s innovation,” he said. “But don’t grow maize just to feed chickens. Be strategic.”
Maxwell, who also works in mango farming, believes in diversifying income. He recalled a Despite who used a classic car for his 60th birthday, and the same car was later used by Richard Nii Armah Quaye for his 40th.
“If someone is financially stable, guide them to start a solid business.”
He ended by encouraging the youth: “Farming is the second highest paying sector in Ghana today. If you’re passionate and focused, you’ll succeed.”
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