Thanks to MASO I am now a business owner – Senameh Godwin

In 2016, I was out of school, unemployed and desperate in Accra for an opportunity. After struggling unsuccessfully to find a job, I made the decision to go into farming.

This is my story
My name is Godwin Senameh,i am 25 years old and originally from Ada Foah but now a resident of Satrokofi in the Oti Region of Ghana.
I completed Senior High School in 2016, but due to financial constraints, I was not able to continue my education. I went to stay with my mum at Ashiaman, helping her to sell kenkey at the charcoal market. Sometime later, I decided to look for another job in the industrial area, but I didn’t find any. Frustration set at that point.

I studied agricultural science, so ,i decided perhaps it was time for me to start a career in agriculture to earn a living. One day, I told my mum about my plans of going to the Volta region to help my brother in his farm work. She encouraged me, so I left.

Godwin speaking on a panel during the 2019 MASO Youth in Cocoa Conference

My farming life
I traveled to the Volta region to start my farming life. I started with tomatos farming. Along the way, I heard the information about a non-governmental organization helping the youth in cocoa cultivation. I therefore joined the MASO programme and attended both the MASO Cocoa and the Business Academies.

They trained us in good agronomic practices, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and many more. Through the training, I have been able to cultivate one acre of cocoa now extending it to two acres soon. Although I studied agricultural science, I never had practical lessons but MASO made that possible. The training is hands-on, and you are supported to apply the new skills to your farm.

Entrepreneurial experience

Godwin speaking to other MASO youth during a visit to his farm

Aside from the cocoa farm, I also started a poultry farm. It was not easy for me, but I prevailed.
Through the training, I identified poultry farming as a viable business in my community. I decided to undertake that to supplement the income from my cocoa farm. I started with 250 birds but lost some birds when my mother who was helping me died. I am currently bouncing back on my farm.

Leadership skills

Godwin facilitating a leadership session for MASO Youth in the Oti Region

As part of the leadership skills provided by the MASO programme, I have now become assertive and able to champion the cause of other youth in my community.

Now I am able to speak in public. I was used to be shy, but now I can meet other officials and advocate for the youth in my district.
I am an executive member of the MASO Youth Network from the district to the national executive committee.

I have been able to advocate for support from Ghana Cocoa Board in my district and they have just supplied us with some insecticides after providing them with the needed information from the Network.

Conclusion

The MASO Training has helped a lot in my life. When I lost my mum, I lost all hope but MASO has inspired me to persevere. I am now able to support myself. I intend to grow my business and then go back to school.

Godwin carrying crates of eggs from his poultry farm during the 2019 MASO Youth in Cocoa Conference in a drama

Maso!! minamiawor deka

This is my story- written by Godwin Sanameh, A MASO Youth from Santrokofi