On January 29, 2025, Hon. Eric Opoko, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, concluded his tour of the ministry’s directorates with a visit to the Agricultural Engineering Services Directorate. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the progress of ongoing projects and initiatives within the Directorate, as well as to engage with staff and stakeholders, identify challenges, and offer guidance to enhance service delivery.

Upon his arrival, the Minister was warmly welcomed by Mr. Patrick Aboagye, the Director of Agricultural Engineering Services, along with other senior staff members. The Director introduced the staff and escorted the Minister on a tour of the Directorate’s facilities, including the engineering workshop.

Following the tour, the Minister participated in a briefing session with the Director and senior staff to discuss the Directorate's projects, achievements, and challenges  faced. He emphasized the government’s dedication to advancing the agricultural sector and underscored the vital role the Directorate plays in supporting farmers and promoting agricultural development.

During the discussions, the Minister identified various opportunities for collaboration, including partnerships with the private sector, research institutions, and international organizations. He expressed his commitment to securing additional funding for the Directorate to bolster its projects and activities, as well as ensuring the provision of necessary equipment and supplies to enhance its capacity and efficiency. Furthermore, the Minister pledged to support capacity-building programs for the staff, including training sessions and workshops, and reiterated the importance of fostering strong partnerships among stakeholders.

Reflecting on his experience during the tour, Hon. Opoku stated that his visits to the directorates had been highly informative and that interacting with the staff had been a positive experience. He pointed out that encroachment on lands had emerged as a significant issue across all directorates, announcing the establishment of a task force to investigate land ownership documents and uncover any involvement in the illegal sale of these lands.

Recognizing agriculture as a priority for the government's efforts to transform the Ghanaian economy, he stressed that irrigation is crucial to the agricultural sector's success and would be addressed seriously moving forward.

The Minister's visit to the Agricultural Engineering Services Directorate was deemed a success, providing him with valuable insights into the Directorate's projects and operations. The commitments and recommendations made during this visit are expected to play a key role in enhancing the agricultural sector and furthering the Ministry's objectives.