National Farmers’ Day Celebrates Ghanaian Growers
VOLTA REGION, GHANA – On 5 December, Ghana celebrated its 41st National Farmers’ Day with a grand durbar and awards ceremony at the Ho Sports Stadium, under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.” This annual event, instituted in 1985, honors the contributions of farmers and fishers to Ghana’s food security, economic growth, and rural development.
National Agricultural Fair
The Farmers’ Day celebration was the climax of the 5-day National Agricultural Fair (1–4 December) organized by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in partnership with Agrihouse Foundation. With more than 100 exhibition booths, the fair showcased innovations in crops, livestock, mechanization, irrigation, fisheries, modern agronomic techniques, digital agriculture, and value addition.
At the EWS-KT booth, our Technical Field Officers discussed improved farming practices and engaged farmers in hands-on activities like preparing an effective medium for sowing seeds and transforming strips of mango leaves into eco-efficient pots for growing the seedlings.
The booth, which welcomed an estimated 500 people, also showcased a variety of organic mulching materials, including rice straw, maize husks, bamboo leaves, and cocoa leaves.
Investing in Ghana’s Farmers
On Farmers’ Day, thousands gathered to witness Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama present awards to 31 outstanding recipients, including for Overall National Best Farmer, National Best Female Farmer, Best Livestock Farmer, and categories for fishers and schools excelling in practical agriculture. The event highlighted government initiatives like the Feed Ghana Programme, emphasizing irrigation expansion and value chain enhancement to boost self-sufficiency and reduce imports.
In his speech before the awards presentation, President Mahama underscored the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, saying, “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we will continue to invest in their success.”
Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture, reflected on the tangible impacts of science-based farming interventions like mechanization and extension services. “Families are experiencing real improvements, from better food availability to increased earnings for farmers, processors, traders, and all those along the value chain,” he remarked.
In an interview, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Setor Dumelo, emphasized the government’s commitment to the vegetable sector, noting that the Ministry intends to support vegetable farmers with inputs, fertilizers, and irrigation systems to enable them to do year-round farming.
The 41st National Farmers’ Day generated well-deserved appreciation for farmers throughout the country, while highlighting the need for continued investment in agriculture to ensure future growth and farmer success.
