The General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC-Ghana) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Eric Opoku and Hon. Emelia Arthur on their nominations as Minister-Designate for Agriculture and Minister-Designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, respectively.
In a statement signed by GAWU’s General Secretary, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, the Union commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector, as reflected in these strategic appointments. GAWU expressed optimism that these nominations would bolster efforts to reclaim agriculture’s pivotal role in Ghana’s economy.
GAWU emphasized its readiness to collaborate with the new ministers to address systemic challenges facing agricultural workers and farmers. Highlighting the sector’s consistent contributions to Ghana’s GDP and job creation, the Union urged the nominees to prioritize stakeholder engagement and the formulation of policies that cater to the needs of the sector. The Union further reiterated its support for the implementation of policies focused on agro-economic transformation, particularly during the administration’s first 120 days in office.
In its statement, GAWU outlined several key areas requiring urgent attention. The Union called for the adoption of an open-door approach to management, encouraging collaboration in policymaking. It advocated for increased budgetary allocation to agriculture to position the sector as a leading contributor to Ghana’s GDP. GAWU also highlighted the importance of investing in irrigation systems, including the audit and prioritization of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam project, to enable year-round farming and enhance food security.
The Union proposed measures to make agriculture more attractive to the youth by introducing youth-friendly technologies. It also urged the ministers to address challenges in cocoa production and advocated for the establishment of an Oil Palm Board to regulate the value chain of this increasingly significant crop. The need to improve the ratio of extension officers to farmers was emphasized as a critical step toward enhancing agricultural productivity.
GAWU further stressed the importance of promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices to combat climate change and improve rural livelihoods. Regarding fisheries and aquaculture, the Union recommended the establishment of a National Fish Board to regulate the sector and address issues such as pre-mix fuel distribution.
The Union underscored the significance of agriculture as the backbone of Ghana’s economy, emphasizing its potential to alleviate poverty and drive economic transformation. GAWU expressed its commitment to supporting the new ministers in fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector.
As the nominees prepare for parliamentary vetting, GAWU reiterated its eagerness to collaborate with their offices to advance decent work, economic growth, and food security for all Ghanaians.