The School of Agriculture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has launched its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a call on government and stakeholders to prioritise agriculture as a strategic tool for national development. 

The event, themed “Sustaining Ghana’s Agriculture: 50 Years and Beyond,” brought together a cross-section of dignitaries including government officials, faculty, alumni, students, security agencies, and farmers.

The 50th Anniversary cake

Delivering the keynote address, a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. John Nelson Buah, underscored the need for sustainable agricultural policies beyond partisan influence. He highlighted challenges such as climate change, land tenure systems, food insecurity, and post-harvest losses, adding that while various governments have initiated interventions, most of them failed to achieve their objectives. 

Prof. Buah called for the establishment of a dedicated national fund to support agricultural research and advocated for a binding national policy that transcends political transitions.

Prof. John Nelson Buah, speaking at the function

The Central Regional Minister, Mr. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, emphasized the importance of investing in universities and research institutions to develop solutions backed by evidence and innovation. 

“We cannot continue to depend on policies that are not research-based, as they have consistently failed at the implementation stage,” he noted. 

Central Regional Minister, Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere

He also commended UCC for the acquisition of 419 acres for commercial farming and expressed the Regional Coordinating Council’s readiness to collaborate with the School of Agriculture to make agriculture attractive to the youth.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, praised the School’s achievements in research and extension, noting its instrumental role in the development of crop varieties such as cassava, cowpea, and soybean. 

He added that through the Sasakawa Fund for Extension Education, the School has trained over 80 percent of Ghana’s Agricultural Extension officers, solidifying its place as a leader in agricultural education and innovation.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto

Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan, lauded the School’s longstanding contributions and expressed optimism for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Provost of CANS, Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan

Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Henry De-Graft Acquah, reflected on the School’s legacy in producing agricultural professionals who have significantly shaped policy, advanced scientific research, and led agribusinesses. 

He highlighted the School’s resilience in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.  Dr. Acquah reaffirmed the School’s commitment to future-focused growth, including modernising curricula, expanding research initiatives, and fostering inclusive partnerships to drive sustainable agricultural transformation.

Senior citizens of School of Agriculture being recognised at the launch

The event also featured goodwill messages from key partners including the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), alumni, and the Centre of Awareness Research and Manufacturing Company Limited. 

Special recognition was given to retired staff of the School for their invaluable contributions over the years.