Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku has stated that Ghana’s agricultural future depends on empowering farmers to take the lead across the entire agri-space.
He said farmers should not remain passive participants but must be positioned at the forefront of innovation, value-chain development and national food security efforts.
Speaking at the 41st National Farmers Day Celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, the Minister also praised the resilience and ingenuity of farmers and fishers, noting that their work is central to Ghana’s economic transformation.
"Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to commend the hardworking farmers and fishers gathered here. Their innovation and resilience continue to inspire our work at the Ministry, whether through improved seed adoption, sustainable livestock practices, irrigation use, mechanization, or agro-processing, to have proven that agriculture remains a powerful engine for building a robust, sustainable, and circular economy," he said.
"Today, we celebrate you. But beyond today, we shall continue to support and invest in your success. The Ghanaian farmer must not be a mere participant, but the leader of the entire agri-space.Mr Opoku highlighted the progress made under the Feed Ghana programme, including expanded irrigation, mechanisation support, reforms in seed and fertilizer distribution, livestock improvement, and value chain development."
He credited close collaboration between the Ministry and research institutions for ensuring that policies are science-driven and impactful.
He also acknowledged major private-sector partners and sponsors—such as ADB, Glico, Stanbic Bank, and Sino Machinery—for demonstrating strong confidence in Ghana’s agricultural future.
He commended AgriHouse Foundation for successfully organising the National Agricultural Fair at no cost to the state, and celebrated the introduction of the Innovation, Research and Development Session, which showcased scientific breakthroughs from Ghana’s universities and research bodies.
"Over the past 11 months, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has laid a solid foundation for agricultural transformation. All our actions have been informed by science, and we believe that collaboration between the research institutions and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is indispensable for the achievement of food and nutrition security. As a ministry, we have worked tirelessly to advance the vision of agricultural transformation under the Feed Ghana programme," he said.
"The program has begun delivering tangible results through expanded irrigation development, mechanization support, seed and fertilizer distribution reforms, livestock improvement initiatives and strengthening value chain development. These interventions are not abstract policy ideas. They are transforming rural livelihoods, increasing productivity and creating opportunities for farmers, especially women and the youth."
The Minister expressed confidence that with continued investment, Ghana can become the “food nation of Africa.”
"We are confident that with the establishment of the government's research fund, this innovation will finally transition from the laboratory to the field, where farmers can benefit directly and Ghana's agricultural transformation can be accelerated."
"We applaud all participating institutions for their leadership and commitment. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Ghana is endowed with enormous agricultural potential and with the right investment and determined leadership."
He urged Corporate Ghana to deepen partnerships with the Ministry to help scale innovations, strengthen value chains, and empower farmers.
Concluding, he reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers and fishers remain leaders of the agricultural space, and celebrated them for sustaining the nation and driving collective progress.
