The government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, continues to place agriculture at the forefront of its national reset agenda.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister who disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 41st National Farmers’ Day in Ho, said the prioritisation aimed at rebuilding the economy through productivity, innovation, and resilience.
He said farmers, fishers, processors, and value-chain actors remained the backbone of the country’s economy and that the Volta Region remained committed to supporting agriculture as a major engine for economic transformation.
This year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration and agric fair, slated for December 5, in the Volta Region is under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
Mr Gunu said the celebration deeply aligned with the national vision of strengthening food security, expanding agro-based industries, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for the citizens.
He said hosting the event in the region reflected the region’s growing contribution to national food production and the strategic role of the Volta Economic Corridor initiative in transforming agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, and export capacity.
The Minister said the Volta Region continued to emerge as a leader in rice production, aquaculture, cassava processing, vegetable cultivation, and animal husbandry.
Madam Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, who was represented by Madam Marian Kpakpa, Chief Director, said the theme for this year’s celebration was a call to action and tribute to farmers for their extraordinary efforts.
She said the fisheries and aquaculture sector was a cornerstone of the country’s food system as fish provided nearly 60 per cent of animal protein consumed in the country, nourishing millions of family daily.
The Minister said the Ministry acknowledged the challenges faced by fisher folks, including rising cost, climate change and post-harvest losses.
She said despite these challenges faced by the fishers, the fishers remained determined and continued to innovate and uphold the dignity of the profession.
She said this resilience by the fishers was inspiring and was the driving force behind the ongoing reforms including strengthening fisheries management Act, expanding aquaculture zones, improving premixed fuel governance, and investing in modern landing sites infrastructure.
Madam Arthur said farmers “drive the economy” and were the champions of the country’s food system, fueling the mission to feed the Ghana sustainably.
“Government recognises that the future of our food system depends on the responsible stewardship of our natural resources including climate smart agriculture, and sustainable fishery management practices.”
The Chief Director commended farmers for their resilience and assured continuous collaboration from the Ministry.
Togbega Patamia Dzekle VII, Paramount Chief of Battor Traditional Area, who chaired the event while commending farmers, called for comprehensive mechanisms to protect the environment against degradation.
The event was attended by municipal and district chief executives, heads of decentralized agencies, students, and major actors across the agricultural value chain.
Source: Access Agric
