Eric Opoku Breaks Ground for Sankore College of Agriculture and Technology

The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has broken ground for the construction of the Sankore College of Agriculture and Technology, a major educational and agricultural development project aimed at transforming Ghana’s agriculture sector.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the Minister disclosed that the college will feature eight-storey academic and residential buildings and will be supported by eight key development partners. Construction is scheduled to run from January 2025 to December 2027, with student admissions expected to begin in 2027.

Hon. Opoku announced that President John Dramani Mahama will officially commission the institution upon its completion in 2027.

He commended the chief and people of Sankore for releasing land for the project, describing the gesture as a profound sacrifice in the interest of national development. The Minister assured farmers whose farmlands have been affected that they will receive adequate compensation, giving special recognition to Mr. Nkrumah for willingly offering his cocoa farm land to support the project.

According to the Minister, the Sankore College of Agriculture and Technology is a long-term investment in Ghana’s future, noting that the institution is designed to serve both the present generation and generations yet unborn.

He stressed that the college will stand as one of the enduring legacies of President Mahama’s vision to modernise agriculture through education, innovation, and technology-driven solutions.

The Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, who attended the ceremony, pledged Turkey’s support for the project. He announced scholarship opportunities for agriculture students to study in Turkey, as well as scholarships for ten teachers who will receive training in Turkey before taking up teaching positions at the new college.

Additionally, the Ambassador revealed that selected Ghanaian farmers will be sponsored to Turkey to gain hands-on experience in modern agricultural practices, aimed at boosting productivity and knowledge transfer upon their return.

The ceremony brought together traditional authorities, farmers, government officials, and development partners, all of whom expressed optimism that the Sankore College of Agriculture and Technology will become a hub for agricultural innovation and skills development, driving growth in the Ahafo Region and beyond.