A delegation from the University of Cape Coast has paid a working visit to the Minister for Food and Agriculture to deepen collaboration on food security, agricultural research, and agribusiness development.
The delegation which was led by the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof. Rofela Combey, who represented the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, comprised senior faculty members and senior administrators of the College.
Opening the discussions, Prof. Combey noted that UCC has consistently played a leading role in national development through agricultural research, innovation, and community engagement. She reaffirmed the College’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s food security agenda through teaching, research, and agribusiness-driven initiatives.
She also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between UCC and the Ministry to advance agricultural commercialisation and sustainable food systems under the government’s Feed Ghana Programme.
The Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, outlined key ongoing initiatives, including the commercialization of agricultural products, establishment of a farmers’ market, a meat processing unit, and women-focused poultry programmes. He further noted that the University has over 400 acres of farmland dedicated to teaching, research, and community-based farming, positioning it as a leading centre for training agricultural professionals, plant breeders, and researchers in Ghana.
Also contributing to the discussions, Prof. Ransford Obeng Darko raised concerns about the growing threat of food fraud within the agricultural value chain. He noted that the issue posed risks to consumer health, market confidence, and fair-trade practices in Ghana.
He disclosed that the University of Cape Coast was working towards the establishment of a Food Fraud Centre to support research, detection, and policy responses to food adulteration and related challenges. According to him, the proposed centre will strengthen the University’s capacity to provide scientific solutions and support regulatory enforcement in the food sector.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, underscored the importance of stronger partnerships between academia and government in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector. He explained that the Feed Ghana Programme seeks to mobilize resources and expertise to reduce food imports, strengthen agro-processing, and attract more young people into agriculture.
The Minister further emphasised the need to bridge the gap between research and farming communities through the application of science and innovation. He also called for a national seed bank and tailored agricultural solutions suited to Ghana’s ecological conditions.
It was agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the University should be signed to formalize the collaboration in areas such as seed development, food systems research, and commercialization of suitable cassava varieties for production of ethanol.
The engagement ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector and strengthening national food security.
Members of the Ministry of Agriculture team present at the meeting were the Chief Director, Mr. Paul Siameh; Chief Technical Advisor to the Minister, Mr. Etu-Bonde; National Coordinator of Feed Ghana, Mr. Bright Demordzi and Deputy Coordinator in-charge of School Farming, Mr. Gordon Asubonteng.
Also present were the College Registrar, Mr. Isaac Eliot Nyieku and College Finance Officer, Mr. Stephen Baffoe.
