Accra, July 29, GNA - The General Agricultural Workers' Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress on Thursday congratulated Major Courage Quashigah (rtd), Minister of Food and Agriculture, for being honoured as the Spectator Minister of The Year 2003.

An official statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Samuel Kangah, General Secretary of the Union, said: "Your consistent policy of trying to reduce the importation of rice by 30 per cent by the close of the year and your food security policy make you an exemplary Minister among the Ministers."

Major Quashigah polled 1,638 of the public votes to beat Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Energy and Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, who had 1,503 votes and 1,354 votes, respectively.

He had plaque, a 33-inch colour television, 2,000 exercise books to be given to charity of his choice and one-year free subscription of New Times Corporation's newspapers, as his prize.

The statement said: "The Union is very proud of you because the reduction of the importation of rice would boost the production of the rice farmers, as well as give employment to the rural folks.

"Since your assumption of office you have made agriculture lively and we want to say Ayekoo and keep the pace."

The award, which was sponsored by Check Point Ghana Limited, is the second since its inception two years ago to encourage and motivate Ministers of State to work very hard.