The Union of Education, Agricultural and General Services (UNEAGES), under the Ghana Federation of Labour, has officially inaugurated the Eastern and Central Region Fruit Producers Association in Accra.
The move is expected to strengthen agribusiness development and enhance the collective voice of fruit producers across the country.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday, January 22, brought together farmers from the Eastern and Central Regions, alongside key dignitaries and agribusiness stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of UNEAGES, Mr. Christian Vanderpuye, said the inauguration was the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus-building among outgrowers, cooperative leaders, off-takers, importers, and other market actors aimed at strengthening coordination, productivity, and market access within the horticulture value chain.
“This inauguration is the result of extensive consultations aimed at strengthening coordination, productivity, and market access across the horticulture value chain,” he said.
The guidance of UNEAGES and the commitment of cooperative executives, culminated in the registration and affiliation of the consolidated producers’ association.
The General Secretary of UNEAGES, Mr. Eben Aidoo, delivered the inaugural address under the theme “Uniting for sustainable production towards socioeconomic improvement,” describing it as a call to action rather than a slogan.
He emphasized that uniting Eastern and Central Region outgrowers under UNEAGES would expand production capacity, strengthen producers’ identity, and create employment opportunities through sustainable agriculture.
“By uniting Eastern and Central Region outgrowers under UNEAGES, we can expand production, strengthen our identity, and create jobs through sustainable agriculture,” Mr. Aidoo said.
He encouraged members to commit to the shared vision of the association, noting that collective effort and sustainable production could transform communities and regional economies. He also acknowledged the support of Mondial FNV for drawing attention to the outgrower sector.
Chairpersons of the Eastern and Central Regional Producers, Miss Abigail Amponsah Addey and Mr. Patrick Ayuba Quansah respectively, expressed appreciation to UNEAGES, Mondial FNV, and other stakeholders, noting that discussions toward affiliating with UNEAGES began in 2024.
They noted that the association would improve market access, enhance bargaining power, promote sustainable farming practices, and strengthen producer communities.
UNEAGES is expected to play a strategic role in improving agribusiness competitiveness and supporting national efforts to transform agriculture into a viable and sustainable business sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Adwoa Sakyi, Regional Women’s Coordinator, IUF Africa, congratulated UNEAGES for inaugurating the Fruit Producers Association. (Out Growers).
She said in many African countries, the informal economy provides employment and serves as a primary source of income for many people.
She shared information on the General Conference of the International Labour Organization meeting in Geneva at its 113th Session, 2025, which adopted the” Resolution concerning the general discussion on addressing informality and promoting the transition to formality for decent work”.
She urged UNEAGES as an affiliate of IUF to take advantage of the IUF Action Programme for Equality which is build on five pillars as an organizing tool to organize the Fruit Producers Association of which majority are women.
Dignitaries present at the event include, the Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, Mr. Othniel Ekow Quainoo; the Chief of Ekumfi Abore, Nana Amoasi VII; Mrs. Adwoa Sakyi, Regional Women’s Coordinator for Africa of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF).
Senior UNEAGES officials, include Mr. King Opey, Senior Industrial Relations Officer; Mr. Wobil Mosore, Industrial Relations Officer; and Mr. Eric Arhin. Representatives from processing factories such as HPW and Elefante were also present.
