The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has launched the 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration with a strong appeal for increased investment in agriculture, describing the sector as the bedrock of Ghana’s food security, economic transformation and sustainable development.
Launching the celebration in Accra yesterday, the Minister said this year’s theme, “Our Farmers, Our Food, Our Future,” captured the vital role farmers play in guaranteeing food security and safeguarding the country’s future prosperity.
He said the theme reflected the close relationship between agricultural production, national development and the well-being of the Ghanaian people, stressing that the nation’s future depended on deliberate efforts to support farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector.
“Our farmers remain the backbone of our economy. Investing in agriculture today is an investment in our food security, our economy and the future of every Ghanaian,” Hon. Opoku stated.
He said the annual National Farmers’ Day celebration continued to be one of the country’s most important national events, recognising the immense contribution of farmers, fishers and other stakeholders along the agricultural value chain to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
According to the Minister, the 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration will climax on Friday, December 4, 2026, after a week-long programme of activities scheduled from November 30 to December 4.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the National Agricultural Fair, which will bring together farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, financial institutions, development partners, manufacturers and input suppliers to exhibit modern farming technologies, improved crop varieties, machinery, agro-processing innovations and other products aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
The week-long activities will culminate in a grand durbar and the National Farmers’ Awards Ceremony, where outstanding farmers, livestock producers, fishers and agribusiness operators from across the country will be honoured for their exceptional contributions to food production and national development.
Hon. Opoku said beyond recognising excellence in farming, the celebration was intended to inspire young people to take advantage of opportunities in modern agriculture and agribusiness while encouraging greater private sector participation in the sector.
He observed that agriculture remained central to Ghana’s economic growth, employment creation, industrialisation and poverty reduction, adding that government would continue to pursue policies that improve productivity, promote value addition and strengthen resilience against climate-related challenges.
The Minister stressed that neglecting agriculture would undermine national development, saying no country could attain lasting prosperity without a strong and productive agricultural sector.
He therefore called on development partners, financial institutions, research organisations and the private sector to complement government’s efforts by expanding farmers’ access to affordable credit, mechanisation services, irrigation infrastructure, quality seeds, fertilisers, extension services and reliable markets.
Hon. Opoku also urged Ghanaians to celebrate and appreciate the sacrifices of farmers whose dedication ensures a steady supply of food for households and industries across the country.
He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among government, the private sector and farming communities would position Ghana to achieve greater food self-sufficiency, strengthen agricultural exports and improve livelihoods.
National Farmers’ Day, instituted to honour the contribution of Ghanaian farmers and fishers to national development, has over the years become an important platform for recognising excellence in agriculture and promoting innovation across the sector.
This year’s celebration is expected to attract farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, researchers, development partners and the general public from across the country.
