Ho hosts National Farmers’ Day for 2nd time in six years
Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, has been selected to host the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, marking the second time in six years that the city will host the national event.
Ho first hosted the 35th edition of the National Farmers’ Day in 2019.
Speaking on the choice of Ho again for the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said it was most appropriate and bore ample testimony to the region’s immense contribution to national food security.
“From our fertile plains and vibrant fisheries to our growing business sector, the Volta Region continues to play a key role in feeding Ghana and supporting livelihoods across the agricultural value chain,” he said at a press soiree at the Ho Residency last Monday.
Theme
The forthcoming event, slated for Friday, December 5, will be on the theme: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”.
Mr Gunu said the theme reflected the collective responsibility of Ghanaians in promoting self-sufficiency in food production and encouraged the consumption of locally produced foods to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the nation.
He said the region would make tremendous gains from hosting the national event, adding that the influx of visitors, exhibitors and dignitaries would stimulate local business to astonishing heights.
Further, he said, the businesses of hotels, restaurants, transport operators and various trading activities would increase the regional economy's revenue.
“The event will showcase the region’s vast agricultural potential and attract investors in agro-processing, mechanisation and value addition,” the regional minister added.
Tourism
Touching on tourism, Mr Gunu said hosting delegates would offer an opportunity to promote sites such as Mountain Afadza, the Wli Waterfalls and the Volta Lake, to boost the sector.
He also said the celebration would inspire more young people to venture into agriculture and agri-businesses and help to reduce unemployment in the region.
“Hosting the event ensures increased visibility and government focus on the Volta Region’s agricultural needs and development priorities,” Mr Gunu added.
He said as a prelude to the national celebration, district and regional Farmers’ Day events would be held at various regional locations.
He gave an assurance that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council was working around the clock in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, municipal and district assemblies, the private sector and the media, to ensure the success of the national celebration.
Trade fair
Mr Gunu said another big event, the 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair scheduled for November 26 to December 6, this year in Ho, would attract about 900 exhibitors from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Namibia, India, Malaysia and other countries.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, Harrison Belley, commended the regional minister for his continuous reverence for the media. He assured the association would support the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration with useful information before, during and after the day.
