Vice President, professor Naana Jane-Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated government’s commitment to food security and agricultural transformation, describing farming as the backbone of Ghana’s development agenda.
Speaking at the 2025 Asogli Yam Festival in Ho, the Vice President said the government’s Feed Ghana Programme is central to achieving national food sufficiency and rural prosperity, with special focus on supporting farmers in the Volta Region.
She noted that the programme, being rolled out under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, includes the deployment of 5,000 graduates in agriculture and veterinary science to work alongside farmers across the country.
“They will provide modern extension services, share new techniques and help bridge research and practice,” she stated.
The Vice President further announced that significant allocations have been made to agriculture in the 2025 budget to support projects such as the Vegetable Development Project and the Nkoko Nketenkete initiative for poultry and egg production.
She emphasized that the Volta Region has the potential to become Ghana’s agricultural powerhouse under the Feed Ghana Programme.
“With irrigation systems that are underutilized but ready to be rehabilitated, the region is ideally placed to scale up crop production especially rice and yam,” she said.
Highlighting the role of the Asogli Yam Festival in promoting agrarian culture and economic growth, the Vice President praised Togbe Afede XIV and the chiefs and people of Asogli for preserving the rich tradition of thanksgiving and renewal.
“The festival is a reminder that culture and progress can work hand in hand,” she remarked. “It showcases agricultural potential, mobilizes resources, honors best farmers and encourages youth participation.”
He also referenced the recent launch of President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship Adwumawura Programme at the University of Ghana, which focuses on youth employment and job creation. “With the right support, the youth will lead the charge in national transformation,” she said.
The Vice President called for greater support for farmers and renewed national commitment to food self-sufficiency.
The 2025 Asogli Yam Festival, celebrated under the theme “Sustaining Our Heritage, Securing Our Future,” brought together traditional leaders, government officials and citizens from across the country to honor the cultural and economic significance of yam in Ghanaian society.
Story: Nancy Obimpeh
