Former broadcast journalist Araba Koomson has opened up about her remarkable transition from the media industry to agriculture, highlighting the intense commitment and hands-on involvement required to thrive as a farmer.
Now the founder and CEO of JL Foods, Madam Koomson is among the exhibitors participating in this year’s Citi FM/Channel One TV AgriFair, taking place at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, June 20, 2025, she recounted the hurdles she encountered during the early days of her farming journey, stressing that agriculture is far from a side hustle.
“I have fully transitioned from media work into agriculture because you have to be there. It is not a part-time job. You can give instructions to your workers, and they will end up doing something different. You delegate at your own risk,” she said.
Koomson underscored the importance of constant, unannounced supervision to prevent mismanagement and loss.
“You delegate, but you micro-manage as well. You do not tell them when you are coming—you just appear. This is how people’s farms get destroyed. You put in so much money for people to take care of the farm, and you come back, you realise that nothing has been done,” she explained.
After years of persistence and strategic oversight, Koomson says she has now built a reliable team, allowing her to scale back day-to-day supervision while maintaining productivity and growth.
The 2025 AgriFair officially opened today and will run from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22 at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. The event features a dynamic mix of farmers, agritech innovators, agro-processors, input dealers, development partners, and consumers from across Ghana.
The AgriFair is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is powered by Channel One TV.
Sponsors include EXIM Bank, Legacy Crop Improvement Centre, Development Bank Ghana, Agri-Impact Group, Farmerline, Horticulture Business Platform, and Twellium Industrial Company.
