Accra: Mr Andy Tagoe, General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), has advocated for the establishment of a Ghana Agricultural Services Authority to enhance coordination and improve service delivery in the agriculture sector. He emphasized that this proposed Authority would provide a dedicated institutional framework to implement policies from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture more effectively, akin to the operational models of the Ghana Health Service and Ghana Education Service in their respective sectors.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Tagoe made this call during the inaugural GAWU Agricultural Fair held in Accra, an event that was part of the 2026 May Day celebrations organized by the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) (TUC). The fair, themed 'From Farm to You: Decent Work Today, Food Security Tomorrow,' gathered farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and development partners to showcase agricultural products and address the sector's challenges.
Mr Tagoe pointed out that despite Ghana having sound agricultural policies, the lack of a well-structured and resourced institution for implementation has been an ongoing obstacle. He stressed the need for a strong, centralized entity to ensure consistency, coordination, and equity in service delivery, stating, "We cannot continue to implement agricultural policies in a fragmented and piecemeal manner."
He further explained that the proposed Authority would help professionalize agricultural extension services, enhance access to support for farmers, and ensure interventions reach all parts of the country. Highlighting the current situation as a paradox, Mr Tagoe noted the irony that many agricultural graduates remain unemployed while farmers lack technical guidance. He described this as an urgent issue that needs addressing, particularly in a time when increased productivity and innovation are essential.
Mr Tagoe urged the government to prioritize the recruitment of agricultural graduates and integrate them into a strengthened extension system under the proposed Authority. He also called for adequate logistics and motivation for frontline agricultural workers to enable efficient service delivery to farmers.
Reiterating agriculture's central role in Ghana's economy and food security, he stressed that reforms in institutional structures are vital for unlocking the sector's full potential. The GAWU General Secretary called for stronger collaboration between government, organized labor, and the private sector to tackle systemic challenges in agriculture. He expressed confidence that the establishment of a Ghana Agricultural Services Authority would significantly improve policy implementation, boost productivity, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers and agricultural workers.