By Jones Anlimah
The Volta Regional Representative on the Council of State, Mr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, has officially opened a five-day Agricultural Fair in Ho to herald the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebrations.
The event, held at the Ho Sports Stadium, is being observed under the theme “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, Secure the Future.” It brings together farmers, agribusinesses, research institutions, and development partners to showcase innovations and technologies shaping Ghana’s agricultural transformation.
Volta Regional Council of State Representative Mr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, commended the government and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for their continued investment in the sector and expressed confidence that the fair would provide a platform for farmers to learn, network, and explore new technologies.
He noted that agriculture remains central to Ghana’s development and urged the youth to take interest in agribusiness to help secure the country’s food future. “Agriculture is not just a way of life; it is the backbone of our economy,” Mr. Atokple said. “This fair offers the opportunity to showcase what we can achieve through innovation, dedication, and collaboration. Our farmers deserve to be celebrated for feeding the nation despite the many challenges they face.”
He further encouraged exhibitors to use the platform to promote local content and value addition, stressing that “the future of Ghana’s agriculture lies in our ability to grow what we eat and eat what we grow.”
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, praised the resilience and creativity of Ghanaian farmers and commended stakeholders for their support toward modernizing the sector.
He said the fair represents a demonstration of Ghana’s progress toward transforming agriculture into a vibrant, commercial, and technology-driven enterprise. “This fair is not only an exhibition, but a practical demonstration of the progress being made to modernize and commercialize Ghana’s agriculture,” the Minister stated. “The theme, Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, Secure the Future, reminds us of our collective duty to promote local food production and build a resilient food system for generations to come.”
Hon. Opoku also acknowledged the efforts of Agrihouse Foundation and the private sector in organizing this year’s fair at no cost to the state, describing it as a model partnership worth emulating.
“Through public-private collaboration, this fair has been made possible without imposing additional financial burdens on government,” he said. “It is an excellent example of what partnership can achieve in advancing national development.”
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for selecting the region to host the national celebration. He described the event as a major boost for local economic activity and a showcase of the region’s contribution to national food production.
“Hosting this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebration reflects the growing role of the Volta Region in Ghana’s agricultural development,” Hon. Gunu said. “We are proud of our farmers and assure them of continued support to enhance productivity and access to markets.”
He also applauded the exhibitors and participants for their commitment to innovation and sustainable agriculture, adding that “the collaboration between government, farmers, and the private sector remains key to the country’s agricultural transformation.”
The opening ceremony of this year’s agricultural fair attracted about 140 exhibitors out of an expected 250, displaying a wide range of products and services including improved seeds, irrigation systems, mechanization equipment, digital advisory tools, and agro-processing innovations.
The fair precedes the 41st National Farmers’ Day Grand Durbar scheduled for Friday, December 5, where the President of the Republic, H.E. John Mahama, is expected to grace the occasion. Outstanding farmers and fishers will be honoured for their contribution to national food security and economic growth.
