The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has praised the resilience and contribution of Ghanaian farmers and fishers as the country marked the 41st National Farmers Day celebration in Ho in the Volta Region. Delivering his address at the grand durbar, he said the event is a reminder of the hard work of the men and women whose efforts sustain the nation and support its economic growth.
This year’s celebration, the first under President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed mandate, was held in a region the Minister described as having a rich agricultural heritage and enormous potential. He expressed gratitude to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, traditional authorities and the people of Ho for their support and warm reception.
Hon. Opoku said the Ministry has spent the past eleven months laying a strong foundation for agricultural transformation, guided by science and strengthened by collaboration with research institutions. He highlighted progress under the Feed Ghana Programme, which is already making an impact in areas such as irrigation expansion, mechanisation, seed and fertiliser distribution reforms, livestock development and value chain strengthening. These interventions, he noted, are improving rural livelihoods and creating opportunities for women and young people.
He also commended private sector institutions for their continued confidence in Ghana’s agricultural sector. Organisations such as ADB, EXIM Bank, Stanbic Bank, GLICO General, AGRA, Development Bank Ghana and several agribusiness companies were recognised for their sponsorship and technical support. He singled out GLICO’s insurance package for award winners, describing it as an important step in promoting risk mitigation in modern agriculture.
The Minister further highlighted the important role of Agrihouse Foundation in organising this year’s National Agricultural Fair. He applauded the foundation for its logistics and coordination support, which ensured the successful delivery of the five-day fair at no cost to the state. The partnership, which began in 2024, has evolved into an effective model for managing the event.
A major innovation at this year’s celebration was the introduction of the Innovation, Research and Development (IRD) Day. The two-day platform showcased scientific breakthroughs from institutions such as the University of Ghana, KNUST, UDS, UCC, UENR, CSIR and the African Agribusiness Consortium of the Jospong Group. The Minister said the IRD initiative has created a new space for researchers to share solutions in areas including crop science, mechanisation, irrigation, climate-smart technologies and digital agriculture. With the establishment of the Government’s Research Fund, he expressed confidence that these innovations will move from laboratory shelves to farms across the country.
Describing Ghana as a country with enormous agricultural potential, Hon. Opoku said that with the right investment and leadership, the nation is on track to become the food hub of Africa. He urged corporate institutions to continue partnering with the Ministry, noting that every investment made in agriculture yields significant returns through improved food security, job creation and industrial growth.
He also applauded the hardworking farmers and fishers who continue to adopt improved seeds, sustainable livestock practices, irrigation, mechanisation and agro-processing. He said their effort proves that agriculture remains central to building a sustainable and modern economy.
Hon. Opoku acknowledged the National Farmers Day Planning Committee, regional and district agricultural departments, private partners and all agencies involved in organising this year’s ceremony, praising their dedication and teamwork.
The Minister ended his address with warm congratulations to all award winners and expressed deep appreciation to farmers and fishers across the country, whose commitment keeps the nation moving forward.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson