Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has paid a glowing tribute to the nation's farmers, acknowledging them as the backbone of Ghana's socio-economic growth and development. The President delivered his commendation during his address at Ghana's 41st National Farmers' Day celebration held in Ho, Volta Region, under the theme: 'Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwahu Afram Plains was honored as the Overall National Best Farmer for 2025. The First Runner-Up National Best Farmer accolade was awarded to Mr. Osumanu Kadri, 48, from the Greater Accra Region, while Mr. Charles Jato, 63, from the Oti Region secured the Second Runner-Up position. The National Best Youth Farmer award went to Mr. Reuben Asare of the Kintampo North District in the Bono East Region, while Madam Grace Owusua from the Ashanti Akyem North District in the Ashanti Region received the National Best Female Farmer award.
President Mahama urged Ghanaians to renew their collective resolve to invest in local foods and believe in the potential of Ghana's agricultural sector. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate with the government, private sector, and communities to ensure a food-secured, resilient, and prosperous nation. The President celebrated all farmers and fishers, recognizing them as the 'real heroes of Ghana's progress' for their achievements and dedication.
Highlighting government initiatives, President Mahama mentioned the increased efforts to revitalize Ghana's poultry sector through the Nkokoketenkente Project, a Household and Backyard Poultry Initiative. This year, over 13,000 farmers across 12 districts received 720,000 birds, benefiting 50,000 farmers and 500 medium-scale farmers, along with households nationwide. The government is partnering with the private sector to establish modern poultry processing plants to ensure market access, enhance value addition, and create jobs. On November 27, 2025, President Mahama inaugurated the first of these plants in Bechem, Ahafo Region.
The President emphasized the importance of community, commodity-focused farmers' cooperatives. Over 70,000 such cooperatives, representing 710,000 farmers, have been registered and integrated into major agricultural interventions, strengthening their bargaining power, promoting fair pricing, and enhancing collective problem-solving.
President Mahama reiterated the need to 'feed Ghana' by also promoting the consumption of locally grown produce. He stressed the importance of not importing goods that can be locally produced, thus fostering a culture of supporting Ghanaian rice, poultry, yam, fruits and vegetables, cooking oil, and cassava products. Building a resilient agricultural sector, he noted, requires climate-smart approaches, robust risk management, and investments in research and innovation.
The government is working closely with development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to make agriculture a viable and attractive livelihood for future generations. President Mahama extended his gratitude to development partners including IFAD, AGRA, GIZ, KFW, WFB, JICA, FDO, KOICA, AFD, AfDB, the World Bank, and the governments of Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada for their invaluable support. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Agricultural Development Bank, Exim Bank, Stanbic Bank, farmers' unions, researchers, and private sector partners. Special commendation was given to Mr. Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, and his dedicated team for their commitment to transforming Ghana's agricultural sector.