Professor Roger Kanton proposes a significant overhaul of Ghana's agricultural research framework

Professor Roger Kanton, a renowned Agricultural Research Scientist, has proposed a significant overhaul of Ghana’s agricultural research framework.

Speaking at the Agric Forum organised by Channel One TV on June 19, 2025, he advocated for placing all agricultural research institutions, such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) instead of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI).

According to Professor Kanton, the current arrangement creates a disconnect that hinders agricultural progress and undermines Ghana’s efforts to transform the sector.

He argued that agrarian institutions, including the Food and Crops Research Institute and the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), should be overseen by MoFA to maintain a focused approach to agricultural development. Grouping them under MESTI, he noted, dilutes their mandate by aligning them with broader scientific and environmental agendas.

“I know research institutions like CSIR are under MESTI. Throughout my working career, I’ve always challenged this. You have Food and Crops Research, SARI, and others funded by the Agric Ministry. These are typically agrarian institutions, but they sit under MESTI. So, if they are under MESTI, their focus will not be on agriculture,” he said.

Professor Kanton believes that the current oversight structure results in these institutions aligning more with MESTI’s priorities rather than those of the Agriculture Ministry, leading to conflicting goals and reduced impact in advancing the agricultural sector.

He maintained that realigning these institutions under MoFA would ensure that agricultural research is properly prioritised and effectively contributes to Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.

DR/MA

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