Atta Forson, a Ghanaian farmer, shared his incredible journey from street begging to managing over 20 acres of farmland in an interview on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami.
Once desperate and penniless, Forson resorted to begging on the streets for two years just to raise funds to lease two acres of land and start his farming journey. Despite the hardships, he stayed committed. “Sometimes people would approach us in traffic, claiming to be collecting for the sick, and then pay us monthly,” he revealed.
Atta’s passion for agriculture isn’t just rooted in survival—he studied Agriculture at the University of Ghana, Legon, graduating in 2018. He completed his national service at a greenhouse in Odumase, Kumasi, while still begging on the side to raise money for his farm.
To make agriculture “fancy”—yes, fancy—so that more youth would be inspired to get involved. He turned to YouTube and other resources to learn more about farming and agribusiness.
Today, he cultivates tomatoes and habanero and chilli peppers on farmland in Adesoo and Agogo, growing from a modest 2-acre start to over 20 acres. He’s also processed chili into pepper powder and has developed his own fertilizer, which has received FDA approval. According to him, it’s packed with both micro and macronutrients—fancy.
Forson doesn’t just farm—he trains others for free. He’s helped over 20 people, providing them food and rent-free accommodation. He even offers guidance on soil nutrient testing, choosing the right fertilizer, and how to avoid beginner farming disasters like planting the wrong crops and watching them die like a houseplant in a teenager’s room.
“Farming is dirty work,” he admits. “But there’s money in it—if you have the knowledge.” According to him, many farmers don’t flaunt their wealth, so people assume they’re poor. “Get close to a real farmer, and you’ll be surprised.”
Despite challenges with land and market access, he continues to push forward. He emphasizes that soil knowledge is crucial—what works for okra might fail for pepper—and knowing your fertilizer game can be the difference between profit and compost.
Now, with multiple plots, a car, and a comfortable lifestyle, Atta Forson is living proof that farming, though overlooked by many youths, can be a life-changing venture. He started with two acres. He now manages over twenty. And he’s just getting started.
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