Ghanaian dancehall act Shatta Wale is calling on young people to look beyond the привычный path of office employment, pointing instead to agriculture as a space rich with opportunity and long-term reward.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Youth in Palm Plantation Initiative launch in Accra, he argued that the country’s economic prospects extend far beyond white-collar careers, particularly for youth prepared to explore less conventional options. According to him, sectors like agribusiness remain largely underexplored despite their capacity to generate steady income and independence.
“Agribusiness, in particular, holds huge potential for job creation and financial independence”, he told the Graphic Showbiz on the sidelines at the launch of the Youth in Palm Plantation Initiative held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel on Friday, March 20, 2026
The initiative itself is a collaborative effort led by the PHILBRO Group, working alongside the Tree Crops Development Authority, National Youth Authority, ONESTA Limited and the Kade Traditional Council. It is designed to steer young people into plantation farming, with a dual focus on economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Drawing from his own experience, Shatta Wale revealed that agriculture has become a practical investment avenue for him, delivering returns within a relatively short period when conditions are favourable.
“I invest part of the money I earn from shows into agriculture and within three to six months, when conditions are right, I start seeing returns. That made me realise that there are sectors we’ve ignored for far too long and it’s time we start empowering ourselves in those areas”, he disclosed.
He stressed that while formal education and corporate careers remain valid ambitions, they should not be seen as the only routes to success. In his view, agriculture offers both financial stability and a broader social benefit.
“I understand that many young people today want to complete their education and secure comfortable jobs in good environments. Others dream of owning businesses such as shops or boutiques.
“While these are all valid ambitions, there is a much bigger picture to consider. With patience, dedication and a willingness to work hard, the agricultural sector presents a very good opportunity.
“It doesn’t not only offer a means to earn a living, but also a way for us to feed ourselves, become self-reliant and provide meaningful support to our families and communities.”
He also pointed to discipline and consistency as non-negotiable traits, noting that his own journey has been sustained by staying focused despite public perception.
“People often say I’m always in trouble, but one thing they don’t know is that discipline and focus have kept me going all these years. There is money to be made in Ghana if you stay committed to what you do,” he stated.
Beyond individual effort, he emphasised the importance of guidance and partnerships, arguing that the right networks can accelerate business growth and protect investments.
“When you connect with the right people who guide and protect your business, it becomes easier to grow. That’s why this initiative is important, it’s about empowering the youth in agribusiness and plantations,” he explained.
He also challenged young people to reassess how they spend their time, urging a shift from digital distractions to productive ventures with long-term value.
“Sometimes we spend too much time on TikTok and other social media platforms, but this is the time to build something meaningful for ourselves. Agribusiness is the season now,” he stressed.
He further commended traditional leaders for allocating between 20,000 and 30,000 acres of land to support the project, describing the move as a significant step toward making the initiative viable and impactful.
