The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has lauded Ghana’s farmers and fishers for their indispensable role in sustaining the country’s food system and driving national development, describing them as the true backbone of the economy.
He made the remarks at the 41st National Farmers Day celebration held in Ho in the Volta Region, noting that the occasion was especially significant as it marked the first Farmers Day under President Mahama’s renewed mandate and the first time the celebration was being hosted in a region celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage and untapped potential.
Reviewing progress made over the past 11 months, Mr Opoku said the Ministry of Food and Agriculture had laid a solid foundation for agricultural transformation through science-driven policies and strong collaboration with research institutions.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring food and nutrition security, stressing that agriculture remains central to Ghana’s long-term economic resilience.
According to the Minister, key interventions under the Feed Ghana programme are already producing results. These include expanded irrigation systems, increased mechanisation, improved seed and fertiliser distribution, enhanced livestock development, and strengthened agricultural value chains.
“These initiatives are improving rural livelihoods, raising productivity, and opening up opportunities—particularly for women and young people,” he said.
Mr Opoku expressed gratitude to private sector partners who continue to invest in agriculture, naming institutions such as ADB, HFC Bank, Stanbic Bank, Climate General, AGRA, Development Bank of Ghana, BOM Agro, AMG Ghana, Sino Machinery, BEPT Agro, and High Farm Agro Machinery Limited.
He said their involvement through sponsorships, insurance schemes, and value-chain investments demonstrates strong confidence in the sector.
Highlighting innovation in risk management, the Minister described RICO’s Family Day Insurance package as a major boost for farmers, noting the importance of safeguarding agricultural investments against uncertainty.
He also praised the Agri-House Foundation for successfully organising the National Agricultural Fair, stating that the partnership with the Ministry has matured into a model that enabled the five-day event to be held at no cost to the state.
Another milestone, according to Mr Opoku, was the introduction of a two-day Innovation, Research and Development Session, which brought together universities and research institutions to showcase agricultural technologies.
Institutions including the University of Ghana, KNUST, UDS, UCC, UENR, CSIR, and the African Agribusiness Consortium of the JACFA Group presented innovations in crop science, mechanisation, and irrigation—many of which he said have remained underutilised by farmers for years.
He described the initiative as a turning point in moving research from laboratories directly to farms, adding that the planned Government Research Fund would further accelerate this process.
Mr Opoku maintained that Ghana possesses vast agricultural potential and, with sustained investment, is well-positioned to become Africa’s food hub.
He called for continued national commitment and urged corporate Ghana to deepen its involvement through funding, technical partnerships, and innovation-driven collaborations, noting that agriculture offers exponential returns in food security, employment, industrial growth, and economic stability.
The Minister paid tribute to farmers and fishers nationwide, commending their adoption of improved seeds, sustainable livestock practices, irrigation, mechanisation, agro-processing, and climate-smart agriculture.
“We celebrate you today, and we will continue to invest in your progress,” he assured.
He also applauded the National Farmers Day Planning Committee, the Regional Coordinating Council, district agriculture offices, private partners, and agencies under the Ministry for delivering what he described as the biggest National Farmers Day celebration ever, achieved at the lowest cost to the state.
As the event drew to a close, Mr Opoku congratulated the award winners and rallied Ghanaians to support the agricultural sector.
“Let us feed Ghana together. Let us eat Ghana together. And let us secure the future of our country,” he urged.
Farmer groups, including NFFAWAG, GAFAFAW, and GNAFF, also presented solidarity messages, endorsing government initiatives and calling for increased support to realise the theme: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Secure the Future.”
