Agriculture Transformation Depends on Quality Human Capital – Agric Minister

Agriculture Transformation Depends on Quality Human Capital – Agric Minister

The Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Hon. Eric Opoku, has stressed that Ghana’s ability to transform its agricultural sector depends largely on the quality of human capital trained and equipped to drive the sector.

According to him, agricultural transformation cannot be achieved through investment in infrastructure and technology alone, but requires deliberate efforts to develop a skilled, knowledgeable and innovative workforce capable of responding to the changing needs of the sector.

Hon. Eric Opoku made the remarks during the official launch of the Ghana Agriculture Fund for Education and Transformation (GAFET), an initiative of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture aimed at supporting agricultural education and strengthening the human resource base of Ghana’s agricultural sector.

He explained that the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has identified agricultural education not merely as an option but as a national priority, recognising its critical role in building the next generation of agricultural professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators.

“The quality of our agricultural transformation depends on the quality of our human agricultural capital. That is why President Mahama has invested in agricultural education as an option, but as a national priority,” Hon. Eric Opoku stated.

The Minister noted that GAFET is expected to contribute to creating opportunities for young people to acquire the relevant knowledge, technical skills and practical experience needed to make agriculture more attractive and productive.

He further emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, educational institutions, the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to ensure that investments in agricultural education translate into meaningful transformation across the country.

Hon. Eric Opoku said the government remains committed to equipping young Ghanaians with the skills required to embrace agriculture as a viable career and business opportunity, while also promoting innovation, modern farming practices and value addition.

He urged stakeholders to support the initiative and encouraged the youth to take advantage of opportunities within the agricultural sector, stressing that agriculture remains central to Ghana’s food security, job creation, economic growth and national development.

The launch of GAFET therefore marks another step towards strengthening agricultural education and developing the human capital required to drive Ghana’s agricultural transformation and make the sector more competitive and sustainable.

Source:Bibianinews.com