A contingent of 118 young Ghanaian scholars sponsored by the Jospong Group of Companies and the African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC) returned home on Thursday after successfully completing two years of post-graduate studies in Russia.
The scholars were officially received at Kotoka International Airport in Accra by Dr. Mrs. Adelaide Araba Siaw Agyepong, Chief Executive Officer of the AAC and Executive Director of the Jospong Group.
The two-year fully funded scholarship program at the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) focused on critical development disciplines, including advanced agriculture, environmental sciences, waste management, and sustainable development. The scheme was designed to build a talent pipeline of technical experts to accelerate Ghana’s agricultural modernization and green transition.
Investing in Human Capital for Economic Transformation
Addressing the media during the arrival ceremony, Dr. Adelaide Siaw Agyepong emphasized that the venture reflects Jospong’s strategic expansion into agribusiness following years of leadership in environmental sanitation and waste management.
"By the grace of God, after several years of contributing significantly to Ghana in sanitation and waste management transformation, the Jospong Group made another bold decision a few years ago to support the transformation of Ghana's agricultural sector," she stated.
She explained that direct experience in the sector revealed immense potential that could only be unlocked through specialized youth expertise:
"Transforming the sector would require the active participation of a new generation of skilled and passionate young people. That is why, in partnership with RUDN University in Russia, we sponsored 118 young students to pursue graduate studies in agriculture and environmental sciences and technology."
Dr. Siaw Agyepong expressed optimism that the scholars would serve as key catalysts for national development, acknowledging the contributions of the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, RUDN University, and Ghana’s Embassy in Moscow.
Scholars Ready to Tackle Climate and Agricultural Challenges
The returning beneficiaries expressed eager readiness to deploy their technical training to resolve pressing national problems in food security, carbon management, and climate adaptation.
Climate Project Management: Mr. Saviour Kweku Dotsey, President of the Jospong Scholars RUDN Group, highlighted that the group acquired specialized expertise in climate project management to support both corporate and national greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Decarbonizing Transport: Beneficiary Charlotte Opoku Gyamfua, who specialized in transport sector carbon reduction, noted that her focus will be on carbon accounting and emissions management across Ghana’s expanding transport infrastructure.
The 118 experts will be integrated into various national development initiatives and private-sector programs spanning climate-smart farming, food processing, rural development, and environmental engineering.
