Government sets December 5 for Grand Durbar in Ho to honour hardworking farmers and fishers nationwide
The Government of Ghana has officially launched the 41st edition of the National Farmers Day celebration under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.” The event marks another milestone in recognizing the vital contributions of farmers, fishers, and agricultural workers to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, said the occasion marks the beginning of a renewed national commitment to celebrate Ghana’s hardworking farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
“This day marks the start of yet another journey to celebrate and honor the resilience, hard work, and patriotism of our farmers, fishers, and agricultural workers across Ghana,” Hon. Opoku said.
Since its inception in 1985, he noted, National Farmers Day has evolved into one of the most important events on Ghana’s national calendar. It is not only a celebration of the toil and sacrifice of farmers but also an expression of gratitude for their indispensable role in food production, job creation, and economic development.
This year’s theme, “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” he explained, serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility to sustain national food security and economic independence.
“It underscores the ministry’s vision to ensure that Ghana produces what she eats and eats what she produces, thereby reducing import dependence, strengthening domestic food systems, and creating sustainable jobs across the agricultural value chain,” the Minister stated.
Hon. Opoku added that the theme aligns with government’s broader agenda to transform agriculture into a driver of inclusive growth, climate resilience, and national pride.
He announced that, with the gracious approval of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Grand Durbar and National Awards Ceremony will be held in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, on Friday, December 5, 2025, which is the first Friday of December, in accordance with the National Holidays Act.
“The choice of Ho is both symbolic and strategic — symbolic because of the region’s rich agricultural heritage, and strategic because it demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development and regional representation,” he said.
Ahead of the Grand Durbar, a five-day National Agricultural Fair will take place in Ho from Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 5, 2025, in partnership with Agrihouse Foundation. The fair will showcase Ghana’s agricultural innovations, ranging from crops and livestock to mechanization, irrigation, fisheries, digital agriculture, and value addition.
“I urge all stakeholders, farmers, agribusinesses, research institutions, and development partners to participate actively in the National Agricultural Fair,” the Minister appealed.
Hon. Opoku expressed appreciation to Corporate Ghana for its continued partnership over the years, highlighting the support of institutions such as the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Asaasem Bank, and Stambic Bank, among others, for their consistent financial and logistical contributions.
He also acknowledged the collaboration of key institutions, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ghana Cocoa Board, and development partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the governments of Italy, the Netherlands, and Canada.
Hon. Opoku commended their collective efforts in supporting major government interventions such as the Feed Ghana Programme and the Poultry Industry Revitalization Drive, which continue to enhance productivity, improve market linkages, and build resilience across Ghana’s food systems.
The Minister also made a passionate appeal for broader national support to ensure the successful organization of this year’s celebration.
“Your contributions, whether in cash or in kind, will not only help honor our hardworking farmers and fishers but also demonstrate your commitment to Ghana’s food security and national development,” he said.
“Every cedi, every tool, and every partnership counts, because when we invest in our farmers, we invest in the future of our nation.”
Concluding his remarks, Hon. Eric Opoku officially declared the 41st National Farmers Day celebration launched.
“As we launch the 41st edition of the National Farmers Day today, let us renew our collective resolve to promote sustainable agriculture, celebrate our farmers and fishers, and build a resilient, self-sufficient Ghana,” he declared.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
