Agricultural Research Scientist, Professor Roger Kanton is proposing a major structural reform that will place all agricultural research institutions under the direct oversight of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).
He argues that the existing arrangement which puts these institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) is not only a disconnect that stifles the agricultural advancement of the country but one that is also counterproductive to Ghana’s quest for agricultural transformation.
He was speaking at the Agric Forum organised by Citi FM and Channel One TV on Thursday June 19, 2025 at Alisa Hotel as part of the 2025 Citi Business Festival.
“I know the research institutions like CSIR are under MESTI. Throughout my working career, I have 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 with MESTI. So if they are under MESTI, their focus will not be on Agric.”
Prof. Kanton was worried about the overlapping roles and competing loyalties, noting that while MESTI priorities broader environmental and scientific direction, agricultural research institutions often lack the direct policy guidance and alignment needed to drive food production and innovation.
“MESTI goes to EPA, gold mines and others to make a lot of money. We are with Agric and the MESTI Minister also sits there. So our loyalty is not with the Agric Ministry but MESTI. Our products and services do not align to these. I question that and we really need to return”, the Research Scientist added.
Vegetable Crop Research Institute
Ghana’s overreliance on imported vegetables was also a key concern raised by Prof. Kanton.
He revealed that the country spends an estimated US$2 million weekly on tomato imports and a staggering US$400 million annually on onions – figures he described as economically unsustainable.
To reverse this trend and promote food self-sufficiency, he suggested the establishment of a dedicated Vegetable Crops Research Institute.
“We need targeted research on vegetables like tomatoes, onions, pepper, okra, carrots, cabbage, lettuce and leafy greens. Such an institute will help reduce our dependence on imported canned and fresh vegetables, and also ensure local seed development.”
A vegetable-focused research hub according to the agricultural scientist would be critical to Ghana’s ambition of cutting down on imports, boosting domestic production and achieving long-term food security.
The Agric Forum was to explore agribusiness as a pillar of economic growth, while pushing for policy reforms, strategic investment and innovation in the sector.
It was on the theme: “Harnessing Agribusiness Potential for Economic Growth: Expanding Agricultural Frontiers and Maximising Productivity in Ghana.”