Former President John Dramani Mahama has extended congratulatory messages to the nation’s farmers and fishers on the occasion of the 2021 National Farmers Day.

In a Facebook message, the former President said: “Heartiest congratulations to our farmers and fishers on the occasion of this year’s National Farmers Day. You remain our heroines and heroes.”

He said it was through their effort that agriculture continued to be the mainstay of the economy, employing most of the nation’s working population and being a leading contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Not only do you provide our nation’s food and nutrition needs, you also wield the potential to eradicate hunger and poverty and lead our country towards rapid industrialisation and shared prosperity through agribusiness,” former President Mahama said.

“As we commemorate this important Day, we must diversify by delving into agro-processing and agri-business as ways of ensuring value addition and wealth creation for all persons in the agriculture value chain.”

This wealth must particularly benefit the nation’s farmers and fishers, and also the country, he said.

“This way, we can get more young people into agriculture to employ more of Ghana’s youth and increase our food stock.”

“We will also earn foreign exchange through exports and ultimately increase the income levels of our hardworking farmers and fishers.”

“Our world is fast changing, and we must find new ways of doing business, if we are to survive.”

Former President Mahama expressed the belief that once government averts its mind to the opportunities and comparative advantage the country has, the goal of prosperity for the country and its people can be achieved.

Source: Ghana News Agency