The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has stressed that Ghana’s agricultural future depends on empowering farmers to take leadership roles across the entire value chain.
Speaking at the 41st National Farmers Day celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, Mr. Opoku said farmers must move beyond being passive contributors and instead drive innovation, value-chain expansion, and national food security strategies.
He praised the resilience and creativity of farmers and fishers, describing their contributions as central to Ghana’s economic transformation. He highlighted progress under the Feed Ghana programme, including expanded irrigation, mechanisation support, reforms in seed and fertilizer distribution, livestock improvement, and strengthened value-chain development.
The Minister credited partnerships with research institutions for ensuring that agricultural policies remain science-driven and impactful. He also thanked private-sector partners such as ADB, Glico, Stanbic Bank, Sino Machinery, and AgriHouse Foundation for supporting initiatives like the National Agricultural Fair, which was organised at no cost to the state.
Hon. Opoku noted that within 11 months, the Ministry has laid a strong foundation for agricultural transformation, with interventions improving rural livelihoods, productivity, and opportunities—especially for women and youth. He expressed optimism that sustained investment and the establishment of a government research fund would move innovations from laboratories to farms, positioning Ghana as the “food nation of Africa.”
He concluded by urging Corporate Ghana to deepen collaboration with the Ministry to scale innovations, strengthen value chains, and further empower farmers.
