The 41st edition of the National Farmers Day celebration successfully took place in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, last Friday, culminating in the crowning of the National Best Farmer.
This year’s event was remarkable in many respects.
The week-long activities, dubbed Agrifair, organised by Agrihouse Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, added further significance to the celebration.
Agrifair provided a vibrant platform for farmers from different regions to showcase their produce, while researchers and innovators displayed their latest findings and technological advancements.
The fair also served as an important exhibition space for cutting-edge agricultural machinery, attracting industry players and creating fertile ground for networking and partnerships that are vital for the sector’s growth.
The highlight of the celebration was the crowning of 82-year-old Abraham Kwaku Adusei as the Overall 2025 National Best Farmer, a testament to decades of dedication, resilience and excellence.
The Daily Graphic joins Ghanaians in celebrating not only the overall winner but also all farmers who received various category awards.
As it is often said, a nation that does not honour its heroes and heroines is not worth dying for.
The recognition accorded to farmers is, therefore, appropriate and reflects our collective gratitude for their tireless efforts, which make life worth living for all of us.
While celebrating our farmers, we also commend President John Dramani Mahama for announcing that the government will take decisive measures to reduce interest rates on agricultural credit to single digits.
This is welcome news.
The current high interest rates make it nearly impossible for farmers to profit from their labour, often forcing them into financial arrangements that benefit banks more than the farmers themselves. High lending costs have long been a barrier preventing farmers — especially smallholder farmers — from expanding their operations.
For us at the Daily Graphic, improving lending conditions is not only timely but also a demonstration of the government’s commitment to supporting farmers to feed the nation and contribute significantly to GDP.
Many farmers remain small-scale not by choice but due to limited access to affordable financing. Reducing interest rates will therefore empower them to grow their enterprises, increase output, and ultimately enhance their livelihoods.
This year’s celebration also served as a call to action, rallying the nation to ensure that agriculture takes its rightful place as the main engine propelling Ghana towards economic prosperity.
The President’s call for a reduction in the country’s $3 billion annual food import bill through strengthened local production and a well-sequenced agricultural transformation agenda is both urgent and necessary.
Coming from the President himself, this is a strong indication of the political will required to ensure meaningful results.
However, it is equally important to acknowledge a recurring challenge– some appointees tasked with implementing such policies have, in the past, allowed personal interests to compromise execution.
For the President’s vision to materialise, his appointees must demonstrate integrity and commitment.
Only then can the food import bill be significantly reduced.
The Daily Graphic expects that with the improved harvests and reported gluts across several regions this year, there should be a marked reduction in food imports.
The various agricultural policies rolled out by the government since assuming office are positive indicators of its commitment to revitalising the sector.
President Mahama highlighted progress under the flagship Feed Ghana Programme, noting improvements in irrigation expansion, mechanisation, storage facilities, credit access and value chain development.
These interventions, if fully implemented and sustained, will position the government to actualise this year’s theme: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
Indeed, if Ghana gets agriculture right, we will not only achieve self-sufficiency but also rid ourselves of the annual burden of high food import bills. A strong agricultural sector remains essential to securing the nation’s future.
To all our hardworking and dedicated farmers across the country, the Daily Graphic says Ayekoo. Your commitment continues to nourish the nation and inspire hope for a more prosperous agricultural future.
