More than 5,000 agricultural graduates are calling on the government to grant financial clearance and facilitate job placement, saying prolonged delays in absorption into the public service are leaving trained professionals unemployed while critical gaps persist in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The graduates, drawn from six public agricultural colleges, say they have remained without formal employment for years despite being trained in key areas including agronomy, animal science, horticulture, agricultural extension and related disciplines.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Coalition Secretary Mohammed Abubakari Sadik said the situation reflects a growing mismatch between agricultural training and public sector job absorption.
As he stated:
“Each year, thousands of passionate, skilled, and trained graduates in agronomy, animal science, agricultural economics, extension, horticulture, and related fields complete their studies, ready to contribute to national development,” he said. “Yet, a large number of us remain unemployed or underemployed.”
The coalition includes graduates from agricultural colleges in Pong-Tamale, Kwadaso, Ejura, Ohawu, Damongo and Wenchi.
They argue that while government has previously announced plans to absorb agricultural officers, implementation has been slow, leaving a backlog of qualified graduates outside formal employment.
According to them, the delay is affecting the availability of extension and veterinary officers, who play a key role in supporting farmers and strengthening agricultural productivity.
The group also points to challenges in existing temporary arrangements under government programmes, including delayed allowances, administrative bottlenecks, and inconsistent communication on postings.
Some graduates say they have not been able to commence work due to lack of formal deployment instructions.
The coalition is appealing to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku, and the Minister for Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to approve financial clearance and ensure job placement for qualified graduates.
They are also calling for more structured and efficient deployment systems to reduce delays and improve coordination in public sector hiring.
