Agric Ministry launches 42nd National Farmers' Day celebration; Sunyani named as host

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has officially launched the 42nd National Farmers' Day Celebration, with the government reaffirming its commitment to transforming agriculture while calling for stronger collaboration to honour the country's farmers, fishers and other actors within the agricultural value chain.

The launch, held on Tuesday at the forecourt of the Ministry's headquarters in Accra, brought together government officials, development partners, farmers, agribusinesses and private sector stakeholders ahead of the national celebration scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026, in Sunyani, Bono Region.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku (MP), described National Farmers' Day as more than a ceremonial occasion, saying it is a national tribute to the hardworking men and women whose efforts sustain Ghana's food systems and drive economic growth.

He noted that behind every meal consumed in Ghana is the dedication, sacrifice and resilience of farmers, fishers, processors, researchers, extension officers and agribusinesses who continue to feed the nation despite numerous challenges.

According to the Minister, agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana's economy by creating employment, supporting rural livelihoods, supplying raw materials for industry, earning foreign exchange and strengthening national food security.

Mr. Opoku said the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is determined to reposition agriculture into a modern, profitable and technology-driven sector capable of creating jobs, attracting young people and supporting industrialisation.

The Minister unveiled the theme for the 2026 celebration as "Our Farmers, Our Food, Our Future," explaining that it reflects the inseparable link between farmers, food security and Ghana's long-term development.

He said the theme emphasises the need to recognise farmers, promote local food production and consumption, invest in agricultural technology and infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships to secure the country's future.

Mr. Eric Opoku also announced that Sunyani, in the Bono Region, has been selected to host the 42nd National Farmers' Day Celebration, describing the region as one of Ghana's leading agricultural production centres with enormous potential in crop farming, livestock, agro-processing and agribusiness.

The Minister announced that activities will begin on November 29 and culminate on December 4, with a five-day National Agricultural Fair, innovation and research exhibitions, the National Farmers' Forum and the National Awards Ceremony.

The Agricultural Fair, scheduled for November 30 to December 4, will be organised in partnership with the Agrihouse Foundation at no cost to government and will feature exhibitions by agribusinesses, research institutions, financial organisations, mechanisation service providers and farmer groups.

He also disclosed that the National Farmers' Forum, to be held on December 3, will be sponsored by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and will bring together farmers, policymakers, researchers and development partners to discuss issues affecting the agricultural sector.

The Minister announced that this year's celebration will feature 32 national award categories, recognising excellence in crop farming, livestock, fisheries, cocoa, coffee, shea, agricultural research, extension services, youth and women in agriculture, persons with disabilities, schools and farmer cooperatives.

Mr. Opoku further appealed to Corporate Ghana and development partners to support the celebration through sponsorship packages ranging from Bronze to Headline Sponsor categories, stressing that investing in National Farmers' Day is an investment in Ghana's food security, rural livelihoods and economic growth.

In his acceptance address, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa (Esq.), expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Government of Ghana for selecting the Bono Region to host the national event.

He described the decision as historic, noting that it would be the first time the Bono Region, since its creation, would host Ghana's premier agricultural celebration.

Hon. Akwaboa said the honour reflects the region's enormous contribution to Ghana's agricultural development through the production of maize, yam, cocoa, cashew, poultry, livestock and other food crops.

He assured the Ministry that the Regional Coordinating Council would work closely with the National Planning Committee, traditional authorities, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, farmer organisations and the private sector to ensure a memorable and successful celebration.

The Regional Minister also welcomed farmers, investors and visitors from across the country to Sunyani, promising the Bono Region's renowned hospitality during the week-long event.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, also reaffirmed her ministry's commitment to the celebration, saying Ghana's fishers and aquaculture operators remain indispensable to the country's food security and economic development.

In remarks read on her behalf by Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Arthur described National Farmers' Day as one of Ghana's foremost national platforms for recognising farmers, fishers, researchers, agribusinesses and other stakeholders whose efforts sustain the country's food systems.

She paid tribute to fishers, fish processors, traders, canoe owners and aquaculture operators for their contribution to livelihoods, nutrition and national development.

The Fisheries Minister called for stronger collaboration among government, farmers, fishers, researchers, development partners and the private sector, stressing that innovation, sustainability and responsible resource management are essential to the future of agriculture and fisheries.

She commended the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the National Farmers' Day Planning Committee, sponsors and development partners for preparations towards the celebration and encouraged more institutions to support the event.

Hon. Arthur assured that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the contributions of the fisheries and aquaculture sector are fully recognised during this year's celebration.

The 42nd National Farmers' Day Celebration will climax on Friday, December 4, 2026, with the National Awards Ceremony expected to honour outstanding farmers, fishers and agricultural stakeholders from across the country under the theme, "Our Farmers, Our Food, Our Future."

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith