Agric Minister Urges Feed Ghana Brigadiers to lead Agricultural Growth Across Districts

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, has charged the first batch of 506 Feed Ghana Brigadiers to spearhead the government's efforts to improve food security, create jobs and expand agribusiness across the country.

He made this statement during the passing-out ceremony of the brigadiers after a two-week training programme at the Police Training School on Wednesday.

He noted that the initiative was intended to build a disciplined workforce capable of supporting the transformation of Ghana's agricultural sector.

He explained that the training was not designed to teach basic agriculture because all the participants were qualified professionals with first and master's degrees in agriculture and related disciplines. Rather, it focused on discipline, teamwork, resilience, accountability and a strong sense of duty to prepare them for field assignments in their respective districts.

Mr Opoku said agriculture requires discipline at every stage and urged the brigadiers to apply the values they had acquired throughout their service.

"A farmer cannot plant at the wrong time and expect the right harvest. A coordinator cannot submit false reports and expect successful implementation. That is why discipline is not only for the parade ground. Discipline is for the farm. Discipline is for public service. Discipline is for national development," he said.

The minister said the District Feed Ghana Brigadiers would serve as the link between national agricultural policy and implementation at the district level. Their responsibilities include coordinating programme activities, mobilising stakeholders, supporting data collection, monitoring progress and ensuring accountability.

He added that the brigadiers would also provide agricultural advisory and technical support to private agribusinesses, households, schools, public institutions and faith-based organisations.

“As Master Gardeners, you are expected to promote household food production, improved nutrition and environmental stewardship. To support your work, each brigadier shall receive a motorbike to improve mobility and enable you to reach farming communities more effectively,” he said.

Mr Opoku disclosed that demand for the brigadiers had already started growing, with companies requesting their services even before the completion of their training.

He assured agricultural graduates that this was only the first phase of the programme and that additional brigadiers would be recruited and trained to meet increasing demand.

The minister reminded the officers that they would work under the supervision of District Directors of Agriculture and in collaboration with existing Agricultural Extension Agents.

He said, "The success of this programme will not be measured by speeches in Accra. It will be measured by the number of farmers reached, the number of acres cultivated, the quantity of food produced and the confidence restored in Ghana's agriculture,"

The National Feed Ghana Coordinator, Bright Edward Kodzo Demordzi, said the brigadiers were prepared to strengthen Ghana's agricultural extension system after undergoing training that combined technical agricultural knowledge with leadership, ethics, teamwork, communication and physical fitness.

He said they had demonstrated the competence, discipline and commitment needed to support extension services and encouraged them to maintain professionalism, integrity and humility while working closely with regional and district directors of agriculture and extension officers.

Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD

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