Agric Ministry gears up for 40th National Farmers' Day

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is gearing up for a significant milestone in its agricultural calendar as it prepares to celebrate the 40th edition of the National Farmers' Day on Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Greater Accra Region. 

As has been done in recent times in each election year, the traditional date of the first Friday in December for the celebration has been moved forward due to the elections that are held on December 7.

To be held on the theme: "Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security", the 40th edition emphasises the nation's commitment to adapting agricultural practices in response to climate change challenges.

The celebration will begin with a five-day National Agricultural Fair, Agrifest Ghana 2024, from November 4 to 8, 2024, to showcase the diverse agricultural heritage of Ghana while providing a platform for knowledge sharing and innovation among farmers and stakeholders.

Week-long activities

The programme of activities begins on Sunday, November 3, with the arrival of national award winners in Accra. 

On the next day, November 4, the fair will officially open with a colourful float procession which will start from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and end at the exhibition grounds at the Ministries, Accra.

The day will culminate in an ADB welcome cocktail for national award winners in the evening.

Throughout the fair, which spans five days, attendees will witness various activities, including farmers' forums, exhibitions from the sixteen regions and tours led by national award winners.

On November 7, a rehearsal for the prestigious National Awards Night Ceremony will take place.

Honouring agricultural excellence

A highlight of the day is the National Awards Night ceremony on November 8, where President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will present honours to the best-performing farmers across 15 award categories.

The categories include Overall National Best Farmer, National Best Livestock Farmer, and National Best Female Farmer, reflecting the diverse contributions of individuals in the agricultural sector.

No regional level celebrations

This year, there will be no regional level celebrations, however, each region is permitted to nominate 10 regional award categories.

A letter signed by the acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Paul Siameh, said: “These awardees are required to travel to Accra on Friday, November 8, 2024, where they will be honoured at the Awards Night ceremony taking place at 4p.m. at Alisa Hotel, North Ridge.

“At this ceremony, regional ministers will confer awards on the honourees from their respective regions,” the letter said.

It, however, added that all expenses related to the participation of regional award winners, including travel, accommodation and meals, should be covered by their respective regional coordinating councils.