The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has officially inaugurated 506 Feed Ghana Brigadiers as part of government’s efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, promote food security and create employment opportunities across the country.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ghana Police Training School, saw the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, describe the initiative as the beginning of a new national force dedicated to transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector.
According to the Minister, the Feed Ghana Brigadiers will play a critical role in bridging the gap between national agricultural policies and implementation at the district and community levels.
“Today, we are not merely witnessing a personnel ceremony; we are witnessing the birth of a new national force for agricultural transformation,”Mr Opoku said.
He explained that the brigadiers, who are professionals with backgrounds in agriculture and related fields, were taken through a two-week intensive training programme at the Police Training School to instill discipline, teamwork, resilience and a strong sense of public service.
The Minister clarified that the training was not focused on basic agricultural skills, but rather aimed at preparing the personnel for effective field operations under challenging conditions.
He noted that agriculture requires discipline and proper planning, adding that the values acquired during the training would help the brigadiers serve farmers and communities effectively.
Hon. Opoku commended the Ghana Police Service for supporting the training programme and providing the environment for the development of the new agricultural workforce.
He said the brigadiers will be responsible for coordinating Feed Ghana activities, mobilising stakeholders, supporting data collection, monitoring progress and ensuring accountability in the implementation of agricultural programmes.
The Minister charged them to work directly with farmers and communities rather than remain in offices, stressing that their success would be measured by tangible results such as increased farmer participation, cultivated acreage and food production.
Beyond the Feed Ghana programme, Hon. Opoku disclosed that the brigadiers will also provide technical support to private agribusinesses, households, schools, public institutions and faith-based organisations through agricultural advisory services and household food production initiatives.
He revealed that some private companies had already expressed interest in engaging the services of the brigadiers, describing the early demand as an indication of confidence in the programme.
However, the Minister cautioned the new officers against creating parallel agricultural structures, urging them to work within the existing framework of the Ministry and collaborate with district directors of agriculture.
“You are joining an existing and well-established agricultural service delivery structure.
Go as servants of the people.
Go to strengthen the existing systems, not to replace them,” he advised.
Hon. Opoku emphasized that the Feed Ghana initiative is not only about increasing food production but also about national security, industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.
He urged the brigadiers to serve with discipline, humility, integrity and patriotism, saying Ghana’s ability to feed itself remains central to achieving true national independence.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, the Chief Director of the Ministry, senior officers of the Ghana Police Service, directors, farmers’ representatives and other stakeholders.
