Twenty-four girls from cocoa-growing communities have been introduced to real-world careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through a mentorship and career-shadowing programme led by ofi Ghana Limited in partnership with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Held under the theme “A Day in the Life of a STEM Professional” to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the initiative offered participants practical exposure to careers in Engineering, Pharmacy, Renewable Energy, Food Science, Biomedical Sciences and Scientific Research.
The beneficiaries — comprising 16 senior high school students and eight tertiary students — engaged directly with women professionals across various STEM disciplines. Seven of the students toured ofi’s processing facility at Kaase in Kumasi, where they shadowed experts and observed industrial operations firsthand. The remaining 17 visited KNUST, where they interacted with female lecturers and researchers for hands-on learning and career guidance.
The experience provided participants with a rare opportunity to connect classroom theory with practical application, broadening their understanding of potential career pathways and strengthening their long-term ambitions in science-related fields.
The programme was organised through ofi’s Women Network, Globally Reaching ofi Women (GROW), in collaboration with KNUST’s Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WiSTEM) branch. It forms part of the company’s sustainability strategy, Choices for Change, which prioritises vocational training and youth empowerment within agricultural value chains.
Mr. Eric Asare Botwe, Country Head of ofi Ghana, said empowering young women in cocoa communities was essential to building resilient and sustainable supply chains. He noted that exposing girls to STEM careers not only expands their opportunities but also strengthens the future of agriculture and agribusiness.
Mrs. Sylvia Amo-Asare, President of GROW, emphasised that early mentorship can significantly shape academic and professional journeys, adding that direct interaction with STEM professionals enables students to envision and confidently pursue new possibilities.
Both ofi Ghana and KNUST’s WiSTEM indicated that the initiative would be sustained through structured mentorship and continued engagement to ensure lasting impact.
Ofi, an operating group of Olam International, operates across cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices, with a global value chain spanning farming, sourcing and manufacturing to deliver sustainable and traceable food solutions.
