Concerns have been raised regarding the prolonged unemployment of individuals since 2019, despite a recognized demand for their services. Numerous appeals to governmental bodies over the years for employment have not resulted in any tangible outcomes.
Prior to the initiation of the Feed Ghana Programme, these graduates harbored optimism about their potential inclusion in the project across various districts, as it promised significant agricultural transformation.
However, their disappointment intensified following the announcement by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture regarding the recruitment and training of 500 extension officers, referred to as the Feed Ghana Programme Brigade, tasked with assisting farmers in all 276 constituencies in Ghana.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture clarified that the Brigade will officially graduate at the Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The announcement elicited mixed reactions in the comment sections of social media posts from both the Ministry and the sector Minister, Eric Opoku, with many agricultural graduates expressing frustration over the perceived lack of engagement from the Ministry in facilitating their contributions to the sector’s growth, as previously promised to the citizens of Ghana.
A post from the verified Facebook account of Mr. Opoku stated:
“As part of concerted efforts to invigorate agricultural systems, 500 Extension Officers forming the Feed Ghana Brigade will be graduating from the Tesano Police Training School.”
“These graduating Extension Officers are expected to provide advanced technical guidance for various agricultural initiatives, including backyard gardening, nkokonkitinkiti, and school-based agricultural projects, in alignment with the Feed Ghana Programme across all 276 agricultural constituencies.”
In response to the announcement, a Facebook user named Raphael Amordome Elorm expressed his dissatisfaction, stating:
“I do not understand the rationale behind establishing this group within the Agriculture sector, especially when numerous unemployed graduates from the College of Agriculture remain unengaged. It is concerning that taxpayer funds are being utilized to train individuals for activities that could be performed by qualified graduates.”
Another follower on the Ministry’s Facebook page, Anii Albert, commented:
“It is illogical to have agriculture graduates at home while opting to train others at the Police Training School. This strategy lacks coherence and is unlikely to succeed.”
Nharnhar Khofi Duku also commented on the posts from the Ministry and the Ghana Agricultural College Students Union National Secretariat, seeking clarification.
“Dear Hon. Minister,
I wish to express my disappointment regarding the apparent exclusion of qualified agriculture graduates from employment opportunities within your Ministry, while preference appears to be granted to the Feed Ghana Brigade.
Agriculture graduates have dedicated years to acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to Ghana’s agricultural sector. It is unjust for us to remain unemployed while opportunities seem to overlook our qualifications.
We request a clear explanation of the recruitment process and urge the Ministry to ensure equitable employment opportunities for all qualified agriculture graduates.”
Credit:The Ghanaian Farmer
