Ho (V/R), Dec. 05, – Mr. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, praised Ghana’s farmers and fishers as the "backbone of national development" at the 41st National Farmers Day celebration held in Ho, Volta Region. The Minister used the occasion to underscore a new era of agricultural transformation driven by science, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
He noted the significance of this year’s celebration, being the first under the President’s renewed mandate and hosted in the Volta Region, a region he acknowledged for its vast agricultural potential and rich tradition.
Progress Under "Feed Ghana" Programme
Reviewing the progress of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) over the past 11 months, Mr. Opoku stated that a strong foundation for agricultural transformation has been laid, guided by science and strengthened by partnerships with research institutions. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s core commitment to ensuring food and nutrition security across the country.
The Minister highlighted key government interventions under the "Feed Ghana" programme that are already yielding results:
Expanded irrigation facilities.
Increased mechanization.
Reforms in seed and fertilizer distribution.
Livestock development and strengthened value chains.
These efforts, he asserted, are enhancing rural livelihoods, boosting productivity, and creating opportunities, particularly for women and youth in agriculture.
Breakthrough in Innovation and Research
Mr. Opoku revealed a significant achievement this year: the establishment of a two-day Innovation, Research and Development Session alongside the main fair. This platform provided a national stage for Universities and Research Institutions to showcase scientific breakthroughs and technological solutions that have often been under-utilized by farmers.
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, mechanization, and irrigation.
"The platform marked the beginning of a new chapter, moving research from the laboratory into the hands of farmers."
He added that the planned establishment of a Government Research Fund will further accelerate the crucial transfer of these innovations to the field.
Private Sector Support and Future Vision
The Minister expressed deep appreciation to the private sector, including the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Stanbic Bank, Climate General, BOM Agro, Sino Machinery, and others, for their continued investment through sponsorships, insurance packages (such as RICO's Family Day Insurance), and value chain investments. He cited this support as a strong vote of confidence in the sector.
Mr. Opoku paid tribute to farmers for their adoption of improved seeds, sustainable livestock practices, and agro-processing, demonstrating agriculture's power as an engine for building a circular and resilient economy.
Future Vision: Reaffirming Ghana’s immense agricultural potential, the Minister declared that with the right investments, Ghana is poised to become the food hub of Africa.
He urged corporate Ghana to sustain its support, stressing that these collaborations are essential for celebrating farmers and scaling innovations for a robust food system.
The Minister concluded with a rallying call to all Ghanaians: “Let us feed Ghana together. Let us eat Ghana together. And let us secure the future of our country.”
Solidarity messages were delivered by major farmer groups, including NFFAWAG, GAFAFAW, and GNAFF, all praising government initiatives and advocating for increased support to realize the theme: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Secure the Future.”
GNA
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